Truth-telling
Discover the history behind the State we all call home. Truth-telling will share everyone's perspective - Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Queenslanders
What is truth-telling and why is it important?
Truth-telling is an accurate and inclusive account of Queensland’s history. It recognises the contributions of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Queensland's history and records their experiences of colonisation in our state. Truth-telling allows us to reflect on Queensland’s history and seek facts of the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.
For Queensland, this means exploring laws, policies, and practices and looking at the effects that these have had, and continue to have, on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Truth-telling is important because it will share many perspectives—Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Queenslanders—to hear and acknowledge all experiences.
The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry (Inquiry) will complete the picture of Queensland’s history, as we build towards an inclusive future together. Truth will allow Queenslanders to heal and move forward with respect.
The Inquiry provides a public platform to listen to and record facts and evidence. There are also opportunities to share experiences privately. The Inquiry will uncover the many aspects of Queensland’s past, and educate and build understanding about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture in Queensland.
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Who can be involved in truth-telling?
Everyone can be involved in truth-telling – Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples, non-Indigenous Queenslanders and communities are encouraged to participate.
The Inquiry will provide opportunities for all Queenslanders to engage with the truth-telling process if they wish.
Queensland can build a deeper understanding of the past through the involvement of many. Queensland communities will be able to listen to each other and learn about our state’s history.
Sharing history, facts, and experiences can build understanding, achieve healing and allow us to move forward in a more inclusive way.
This may include confronting experiences of the past such as the frontier wars, forced removal of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, establishment of missions and settlements and the Stolen Generations. It will also celebrate culture, achievements and enduring despite such experiences.
Truth-telling through the Inquiry will be facilitated by holding truth-telling hearings and sessions. Learn more.
Examples of truth-telling
Truth-telling through storytelling provides an opportunity for people to connect. Storytelling can convey and exchange emotions, experiences, culture, history, and values.
Storytelling also supports social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It has been around for thousands of years and is expressed through dance, ceremony, song, paintings and oral traditions, culture, spirituality and relationships to Country.
People will be able to engage with and share their stories on the impacts of colonisation through the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry in a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate way.
The Inquiry is a formal truth-telling process. Truth-telling in the Inquiry is facilitated through truth-telling hearings and sessions.
A Truth-telling hearing is a formal sitting of all five members of the Inquiry which will hear evidence from participants on the matters subject to the Inquiry.
A Truth-telling session is less formal than a hearing. It could be a meeting with one or more members of the Inquiry, but still offers an opportunity for participants to share their stories and provide evidence.
These stories will help paint the true picture of Queensland.