Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry: A Vital Step for Reconciliation

The recent decision by the Queensland Government to abolish the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry is a significant setback to reconciliation and justice for First Nations people. The inquiry, originally launched to address historical injustices and provide a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, aimed to shed light on the brutal impacts of colonisation and foster healing through open acknowledgment of the past. As supporters of reconciliation, it is crucial that we urge the Queensland Government to reinstate this inquiry and commit to the truth-telling and healing process.

The Purpose of Truth-Telling and Healing

Truth-telling is a foundational principle in the reconciliation process. It provides a means for First Nations communities to share their experiences and for non-Indigenous Australians to understand the long-lasting impacts of colonisation. By documenting and acknowledging the forced removal of land, cultural suppression, and violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, truth-telling enables all Australians to confront the reality of our nation’s history.

The Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry was established as a platform for these stories to be told, recorded, and recognised. With this inquiry, First Nations people in Queensland were provided an opportunity to express their stories of trauma and survival, fostering understanding and empathy across communities. As Reconciliation Australia (2023) explains, “truth-telling is essential to our journey towards reconciliation and understanding the deep-rooted injustices that First Nations people have faced in Australia” (Reconciliation Australia, 2023).

Why Truth-Telling is Essential for Reconciliation

Truth-telling is not simply about recounting historical events; it’s a critical step toward achieving justice and equality. Without recognising the atrocities committed during colonisation—including the near-genocide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, forced removals, and the destruction of culture and language—Australia cannot move forward as a reconciled nation. For non-Indigenous Australians, hearing these truths is essential for understanding the deep intergenerational trauma that continues to affect First Nations communities.

According to Reconciliation Australia (2023), “truth-telling is vital for breaking down misconceptions and fostering an inclusive national identity based on respect and understanding.” Research supports that truth-telling processes can facilitate psychological healing for survivors and their descendants, helping to mend fractured relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities (Markham & Biddle, 2018). Healing and reconciliation depend on acknowledging the harm done, which, in turn, lays the foundation for creating a society where all Australians can coexist with mutual respect.

Calling on the Queensland Government to Reinstate the Inquiry

The Queensland Government’s decision to abolish the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry threatens to undermine reconciliation efforts in Queensland and across the country. By listening to First Nations voices and reinstating the inquiry, the government has the chance to demonstrate its commitment to healing and reconciliation. It is essential to remember that reconciliation is not only for the benefit of First Nations people but is a journey for all Australians, one that creates a more inclusive and truthful understanding of our shared history.

Standing Together for a Truthful Future

Let us stand together and demand the Queensland Government reverse its decision. The history of colonisation in Australia is painful and complex, involving convicts forcibly brought to the land and colonisers who committed atrocities against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Acknowledging these events is not about assigning blame to contemporary Australians but about taking responsibility for building a nation founded on truth and respect.

To truly achieve reconciliation, we must collectively recognise the historical wrongs and their ongoing effects on First Nations communities. As a nation, Australia must commit to the principles of truth-telling, healing, and respect for all Indigenous cultures, fostering a future where all voices are heard, and histories are acknowledged.

In calling for the reinstatement of the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry, we are calling for justice, respect, and a reconciled future. Together, let us ensure that the truth of what happened on this land is told so that healing and understanding can take root in this country we all call home.

An 1888 drawing of a massacre by Queensland’s native police at Skull Hole, Mistake Creek, near Winton. A Norwegian scientist, Carl Lumholtz, drew it after being shown ‘a large number of skulls of natives who had been shot by the black police’ several years earlier. Image: State Library of Queensland

References

Reconciliation Australia. (2023). Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry work must continue. Retrieved from https://www.reconciliation.org.au/queensland-truth-telling-and-healing-inquiry-work-must-continue/

Markham, F., & Biddle, N. (2018). Indigenous population change in Australia: Absorption, assimilation and growth. Australian National University Press.

Integrating Indigenous Governance and Truth-Telling for Genuine Reconciliation - Eddie Solien

Attending Reconciliation Australia’s Conference: Embracing Indigenous Governance and Truth-Telling

Attending Reconciliation Australia’s Conference was a powerful and insightful experience. This gathering brought together thought leaders, community advocates, and professionals committed to advancing Reconciliation across Australia. The conference was not only a platform for learning but also a place of deep reflection and dialogue. It underscored the pressing need to integrate Indigenous governance structures and truth-telling practices into both organisational and societal frameworks to create a more inclusive and respectful Australia.

Indigenous Governance: A Pathway to Inclusion and Representation

Indigenous governance is more than representation; it’s a recognition of First Nations ways of managing and leading within their communities. The session on Indigenous governance highlighted that, for true reconciliation to occur, it is essential to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices to actively guide and shape policies that impact their communities. Indigenous governance emphasises culturally appropriate decision-making processes, built on principles of respect, community consensus, and collective well-being.

Integrating these governance structures into mainstream organisations promotes true diversity and equity by embracing Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems. When organisations commit to empowering Indigenous leaders and advisors, they allow space for unique insights that can drive more holistic solutions, benefitting everyone involved. As a Torres Strait Islander, I see how Indigenous governance aligns with our values of family, respect, and collective responsibility, values that offer lessons to the wider Australian society.

Truth-Telling: A Foundation for Healing and Reconciliation

The practice of truth-telling is crucial for Australia to genuinely move forward on its journey toward reconciliation. Truth-telling is about acknowledging the full scope of Australian history, including the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This often involves confronting uncomfortable truths about dispossession, displacement, and injustice. Only by acknowledging these historical facts can Australia begin the healing process and build trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Truth-telling is particularly vital in organisational settings where policies and narratives can unintentionally perpetuate historical harms. Reconciliation Australia’s conference emphasised that workplaces should actively engage in truth-telling by providing staff with education on Indigenous histories and encouraging open dialogues around reconciliation and Indigenous experiences. This process promotes empathy, awareness, and a commitment to doing better.

Moving Forward: Implementing Indigenous Governance and Truth-Telling

The conference left me inspired and motivated to bring Indigenous governance and truth-telling to the forefront of my work. For those looking to implement these practices, start by consulting Indigenous leaders within your organisation or community, offering them a seat at the decision-making table, and supporting them with respect and resources. Encourage open conversations about Australia’s history, ensuring everyone understands the importance of truth-telling in building a fairer future.

Attending Reconciliation Australia’s Conference reinforced that reconciliation is not a box to be ticked—it’s a journey that requires commitment, openness, and respect. Through integrating Indigenous governance and truth-telling, we can collectively work towards a future that honours Australia’s First Peoples, respects cultural diversity, and creates a stronger, more united nation.

Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud, and Proud - Embracing NAIDOC Week 2024

NAIDOC Week 2024, the theme 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud' resonates deeply, not just within me, but across the vibrant tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout this country. This year's theme is a clarion call to celebrate the enduring spirit, culture, and achievements of First Nations People, urging us to carry forward the flame of resilience, pride, and visibility that has been nurtured by countless generations.

Living with severe heart failure, left ventricle dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, Auto Immune Pancreatitis, and Type 2 Diabetes, I've come to understand resilience on a profoundly personal level. Yet, as a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community who identifies as both Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean, I find the resilience of my ancestors and contemporaries to be of an entirely different magnitude. It's a resilience that has withstood the tests of colonisation, dispossession, and ongoing injustices, yet continues to thrive through the strength and vibrancy of our cultures.

The Significance of 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud'

This year's NAIDOC theme encourages us to celebrate the unextinguished fire of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - a fire of culture, determination, and sovereignty that has never ceased to burn. It's about amplifying our voices, sharing our stories, and taking pride in the richness of our heritage. Being 'Blak, Loud, and Proud' is a testament to our survival, a commitment to our future, and a tribute to those who have fought and continue to fight for our rights and recognition.

Honouring Our Activists: The Flames of Change

Throughout history, numerous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activists have shaped the course of our struggle for equity, rights, and recognition. Their efforts have been instrumental in keeping the fire of our cultures and identities burning brightly against the odds.

• Eddie Mabo: His landmark case led to the legal recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia, fundamentally challenging the notion of terra nullius and changing the landscape of Australian law and Indigenous sovereignty.

• Charles Perkins: A key figure in the Freedom Ride of 1965, Perkins' activism was pivotal in highlighting racial segregation and discrimination against Aboriginal people, leading to significant social and political reforms.

• Dr. Lowitja O'Donoghue: A staunch advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians, her leadership and commitment have been crucial in health, education, and the welfare of Indigenous communities.

• Pat Dodson: Known as the 'Father of Reconciliation', Dodson's work has been central to the reconciliation process, advocating for dialogue and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

• June Oscar AO: A Bunuba woman from Fitzroy Crossing, her advocacy work, particularly around alcohol restrictions and Indigenous women's rights, has led to significant community transformations.

These activists, among many others, have been the torchbearers of our fight for justice, rights, and recognition. They have kept the fire burning through their tireless efforts, ensuring that the stories, struggles, and successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain at the forefront of our national consciousness.

Moving Forward: Keeping the Fire Burning

As we embrace the theme of NAIDOC Week 2024, let us all commit to keeping the fire burning - by celebrating our culture, standing loud and proud in our identity, and continuing the fight for justice and equity. It's a time to reflect on our journey, honour those who have paved the way, and rekindle our collective commitment to a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can thrive, blak, loud, and proud.

The journey is far from over, but with each step, we fan the flames of hope, resilience, and unity. Let us all, Black Fellaz and non-Indigenous Australians alike, contribute to this vibrant legacy by learning, respecting, and celebrating the oldest continuing cultures on earth. Together, we can keep the fire burning for generations to come.