By Mikayla van Loon
Wurundjeri Elders and Yoorrook Justice commissioners gathered in Ringwood East on Wednesday 25 May to discuss the importance of truth-telling and to share stories.
As one of the only yarning circles in the eastern suburbs, Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke said Elders from various nations attended the yarn.
“Commissioners were warmly welcomed as they have been across the state. We are grateful for the time Elders have made to meet with us. Our communities are interconnected in many ways,” she said.
Professor Bourke said commissioners were able to provide an update on the Yoorrook process, including the nuther-mooyoop (submission process) and wurrek tyerrang (public hearings).
Each part of this process beginning with the Elders yarns, Professor Bourke said, “allows Traditional Owners and First Peoples to share their, or their family’s and community’s, experiences of injustices since colonisation.”
“There have been a lot of common experiences shared in our yarns as we have met with Elders across the State.
“In particular, there have been many discussions about the missions and reserves that were established across Victoria, in particular Coranderrk, and how impactful they have been for many Victorian First People.”
A takeaway from this meeting on Wurundjeri Country, Professor Bourke said was that there is still much work to be done in ensuring people in power and all Victorians hear the truth of First Nations people in this state.
“Yoorrook’s mission to bring truth, understanding and transformation to Victoria is an important part of that process and these Elders yarns are a strong place to start.
“Creating a new public record that includes this evidence will help all Victorians develop a shared understanding of our history.”
Happening on the precipice of National Reconciliation Week, Professor Bourke said “it is a time to celebrate Australia’s Indigenous history and culture and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”
“Yoorrook’s recommendations for healing, system reforms and changes to laws, policy and education, are an important part of the reconciliation process in Victoria.”
Professor Bourke said she was grateful for the time Elders have given to the Yoorrook process and she hopes to keep connecting with the community as it continues.
