Eurovision 2017 and Australia Decides 2022 performer Isaiah Firebrace today presented a petition to Parliament calling to have Indigenous history classes implemented into primary and secondary education.
Isaiah is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man and in the petition calls on the Australian government to:
"Make Aboriginal History compulsory as a part of the school curriculum. The time is now to change our education system in order to teach all Australian kids about the culture of our world's oldest civilization. Not teaching our kids Australia's true history is no longer acceptable - our kids deserve to be taught the real history of this country."
Isaiah set up the petition in November last year with the aim of reaching 75,000 however during NAIDOC Week (a week that celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) it exploded to 270,000 signatures.
Over the last few months it has continued to grow and sits just under 290,000 at time of publication.
Today he presented the petition to Labor's Tanya Plibersek MP, Linda Burney MP and
Graham Perrett MP.
Isaiah said in an update to his petition that,
"When I started this petition, I never expected that so many people would stand with me. It means so much to me to know that people from all walks of life see the value in teaching Aussie schoolkids about the history and culture of our world's oldest civilization. I can't wait to take this petition to Canberra, where I'll be meeting with MPs and Senators to explain why this issue means so much to me, and to you."
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph back in July, Isaiah explained the motivation behind his action.
“I speak to so many kids in my regional workshops and all we want as a community is to be heard and for more Australians to understand and respect our beautiful culture."
“Education is the key and the sooner we can make Aboriginal history a must in curriculums across Australia in primary and secondary schools the better. Kids are the key and I know and believe that they are the most important part of change – so let’s teach them about our history – the good and the bad.”
Isaiah has worked on country with many Indigenous communities across Australia over the past four years, focusing on helping kids connect with their dreams and passions. He is committed to giving back to his community, continuing to mentor Indigenous youth.
Check out details and sign the petition at: https://www.change.org/p/aboriginal-history-class-to-be-implemented-into-primary-and-secondary-education