Our world-first truth telling website, Towards Truth, has reached a significant milestone, sharing its 100th research subject. Each of these subjects shines a light on how decisions of governments, parliaments and policy-makers have shaped the lives of First Nations people.
‘When we started this partnership with the Indigenous Law Centre we set out to demonstrate the role the law played in the dispossession of Aboriginal people in NSW. And to show the resilience and determination of First Nations communities in the face of these laws. To reach 100 published subjects, with many more to come, illustrates the project’s scale,’ says Towards Truth Project Director Anna Harding.
‘We could not have come this far without the dedication and drive of the JEC and ILC staff who have worked on the project, and the incredible pro bono support we’ve received. We often hear about the personal impact for people working on Towards Truth, and we’re very grateful for the expertise and rigour we receive in return.’
‘Truth-telling is powerful when people listen. It’s been wonderful to see how the community has engaged with Towards Truth and we look forward to it being used as a tool for understanding, justice and reform.’
This landmark was reached with research showing how stations and reserves overseen by the Aborigines Protection Board determined how and where thousands of Aboriginal people lived.
Reserves were created in the 1800s as land to be ‘used’ by Aboriginal people, partially in response to the dispossession of land. But they soon became tools of forced assimilation and control.
The research also highlights how Government revocation of Aboriginal-controlled and reserved land was challenged by the Aboriginal Legal Service. Parliament then passed a law retrospectively validating the revocations.
Towards Truth is a partnership between the JEC and the Uluru Dialogues at UNSW’s Indigenous Law Centre. Read more from the reserves research here.
