Acknowledgement

We recognise the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the lands across Queensland as the first custodians of this land. We acknowledge their ancestors, spirits, resilience and legacy.  

We recognise the many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland – the freshwater peoples, saltwater peoples, desert peoples and rainforest peoples. Each have their own unique laws, traditions, languages, culture and traditional knowledge and are the care takers of their lands, seas, waters, air and resources.  

The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will complete the picture of Queensland’s history through truth-telling. The Inquiry acknowledges that the colonisation of Queensland and the dispossession of peoples, lands, seas, waters and air has had devastating, and ongoing, impacts on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Truth-telling uncovers experiences of endurance, resilience and strength of Queensland’s first peoples and is a powerful way to begin the healing process. Healing will help Queensland move towards a more positive relationship with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Our aim is to create a shared future that is inclusive of all and embraces our diversity. Our future is one of truth, reflection, healing and respect. 

Raising awareness and having conversations with Elders and Community organisations has been a focus of Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry Member Cheryl Buchanan in South-East Queensland (SEQ) in recent weeks.  

Various SEQ engagements

Member Buchanan has met with various Elders groups and Community groups including Logan District Elders, Kalwun Development Corporation, Cooee Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre, Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Minjerribah Moorgumpin Aboriginal Elders in Council Corporation, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), Elders, Community members and council from the Ipswich regional area, Georgina Hostel and Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation and more.  

These sessions have given attendees a chance to learn about the Ceremonial Hearing on Monday 16 September, and understand the scope of the Inquiry. It also gives Member Buchanan a chance to understand how people wish to engage with the Inquiry.   

Member Buchanan shares information about how the Inquiry has a role to conduct inquiries into the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the role of government and other entities in colonisation, and the ongoing systemic impacts of colonisation.  

Sharing the experiences of Elders and knowledge holders is an initial priority of the Inquiry.

Inala community engagement

Community engagement and conversations held in Inala this week gave an opportunity for Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry Member Cheryl Buchanan to share information on the Inquiry. 

She attended Inala Wangarra and Ngutana-Lui Centre, and met with Inala Elders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation. These events wrapped up a series of engagements across South-East Queensland over the last six weeks. 

Member Buchanan said she was grateful for the time people took to meet with her and the Inquiry support team at each occasion. 

“The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry gives an opportunity for Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples, and non-Indigenous Queenslanders to come together with mutual respect and with the aim to move towards reconciliation,” she said. 

Group of people at event
Group of people at event
People at meeting
Building
Group at community event

 

Acknowledgement

We recognise the many distinct Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the lands across Queensland as the first custodians of this land. The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will complete the picture of Queensland's history through truth-telling. Our future is one of truth, reflection, healing and respect.