Yoorrook aims to investigate historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria by state and non-state entities.
The commission has said that areas of historical and ongoing injustice may include cultural violations and massacres, policing and criminal justice, child protection, family and welfare matters, health and healthcare as well as other areas of economic, social and political life.
The ceremonial hearing, which coincided with the International Right to Truth Day, is a significant milestone in Victoria’s nation-leading work towards truth and justice.
The event was attended by commissioners and counsel assisting Yoorrook, as well as Elders from First Nations across Victoria, including Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Wayne Atkinson, who is a commissioner and Senior Elder.
“The Yoorrook Justice Commission was first formally announced in March 2021, with myself and fellow Commissioners appointed in our roles in May 2021,” Dr Atkinson said.
“First Peoples in Victoria have been asking for a truth and justice process of this nature for years, and we are glad to finally see progress towards achieving this in Victoria.
“We had a few setbacks due to COVID-19, but we’re glad to have launched and begun meeting with Elders across Victoria.”
A key part of Dr Atkinson’s role as commissioner of Yoorrook is meeting with Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria to hear their truths about the injustices they and their families have experienced since colonisation, and injustices that have happened in the past and still ongoing.
“We will also be holding hearings with institutions and representatives of the state to examine the role of these entities in creating and perpetuating injustice,” he said.
“These truths will help Yoorrook establish an official record of the impact of colonisation on Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria.
“Through truth-telling all Victorians will create a path that leads to truth, understanding and transformation and build a shared understanding of our history.”
The meetings with local First Nations Elders have already begun, with Bendigo being one of the stops in the first week of regional visits.
The commissioners will be visiting Shepparton on Monday, April 11, and Echuca on Wednesday, April 13, for Elders’ Yarns.
“There are three ways which Elders can yarn with commissioners,” Dr Atkinson said.
“The first is attending a group Elders’ Yarn. The second is a one-on-one yarn with commissioners, which can be scheduled upon request.
“And the third is a cultural or historical site visit, which can be scheduled upon request.
“In this initial yarn and throughout the Yoorrook process, truth telling will be done in a culturally safe way, and First Peoples’ stories will be protected.
“If Elders are seeking more information on our scheduled regional visits, they can keep an eye on our social channels or contact Joey Saunders (0459 871 952) or Lisa Thorpe (0467 513 823).”
To learn more about the Yoorrook Justice Commission, visit: https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/
