November 1, 2024
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and the Cherbourg Elders Advisory Group expressed their profound disappointment on Friday about the State Government’s decision to freeze the Truth-Telling and Healing process.
The CASC said the move undermined the rights of First Nations peoples to engage in vital dialogues about their history and experiences.
Council CEO Chatur Zala said an Inquiry meeting had been planned to be held at The Ration Shed on November 18, and at this stage it would still go ahead.
“Even if it’s without them, it will still go ahead,” he said.
A joint statement issued by the CASC, Doomadgee Mayor Fredrick O’Keefe and Dale Ruska, from the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation, said the State Government’s decision represented a “significant step backward” on First Nations justice issues and had dismissed the urgent calls from communities for meaningful truth-telling and healing.
“If the inquiry is pulled completely, the implications of this decision will reverberate for generations,” the statement continued.
“The inquiry is an opportunity for Queensland to understand and acknowledge past injustices imposed on First Nations people. Through truth-telling our people, including our communities and
Elders, can share their stories, a vital step towards healing.
“It is imperative that our voices are heard in this process.
“We call on the Crisafulli Government to reaffirm its commitment to the ongoing truth-telling and healing journey that our communities have initiated.
“Our Elders are ready to share their stories. Despite this setback, Stradbroke, Cherbourg and Doomadgee remain resilient.
“The Stradbroke community will mobilise tomorrow (Saturday) to amplify the critical importance of the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry and will proceed with their scheduled information day at 10:00am at the Dunwich Hall.
“We are immensely appreciative of the support our communities have received to date, from the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry team.
“We have extended an invitation to Premier Crisafulli to join our truth-telling and healing information day tomorrow, an opportunity for the Premier to begin his commitment to First Nations people in Queensland.”
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