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. Isaiah 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."
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/.../aboriginal-history-class-to-be...
Story by Dale Roberts
Learn more about Isaiah Firebrace:
• Since winning The X-Factor Australia in 2016, First Nations pop sensation Isaiah Firebrace has transformed from a small town singer to one of the most-streamed First Nations artists in the world. Along the way, he’s represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest and notched over 390 MILLION streams. • His new single, ‘More Than Me’ was written in LA with Michael Fatkin & Scott Ritchie and represents a time in Isaiah’s life when he was experiencing real heartbreak for the first time. This soulful pop ballad takes the listener on a journey of pain and the resignation of the futility of love. The song masterfully begins with intimate vocal production, growing into a stadium like vocal experience in the choruses. Isaiah bleeds pain through his vocal connecting the listener to emotion reminiscent of a John Legend meets Adele track. Simple, organic lyrics captured in a web of eloquent pop production which evoke familiarity and takes the listener through the common story of lost love. • The quiet achiever Isaiah Firebrace continues to go from strength to strength and build a world-class music career with his honest songwriting and his once in a generation vocal ability. Still only 21 years old, Isaiah has the world at this feet which remain firmly planted on the ground.
• Isaiah recently featured on ABC’s The School That Tried To End Racism. Check out the snippet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IJic2mEW8o • Isaiah took to the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week on November 16 for the Fed Square Runway show which brought together five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers. First Nations labels House of Darwin, Kirrikin, Liandra Swim and Nungala Creative showcased their new collections, along with Muir’s Amber Days. • Just prior to COVID 2020, Isaiah completed a 55 date tour through regional and central Australia speaking with Aboriginal school children and giving them positive messages of support and hope for a better future. His priority is sending positive messages to school-age children about working towards finding your passion and being committed to working hard to achieve your goals. • Isaiah hosts a weekly 1-hour radio show on iHeart Radio. The show, Tik Tok Trending focuses on TikTok music and the songs breaking on the platform. • Isaiah’s TikTok followers went wild for his bedroom renditions of Usher and Adele that he recorded during the pandemic. Check out his undeniable talent for yourself: https://www.tiktok.com/@isaiahfirebrace?lang=en • Fashion is a big part of his self-expression, he has walked the catwalk for The Iconic and has just done a photoshoot for Hype DC: https://www.hypedc.com/.../sneakertellers-isaiah-firebrace • Isaiah has also been selected to collaborate with Creative Victoria to film & create a unique three-part online series named Pop & Culture. This series showcases Isaiah’s Pop songwriting with an exploration of different peoples culture from throughout Indigenous Australia, with a host of songwriting, storytelling & dancing from guests across the series. Check out the first video, here. • In August 2020, Firebrace was revealed to be competing as the "Wizard" on the second season of The Masked Singer Australia. He was the sixth contestant eliminated, placing 7th overall