What Is truth telling?
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.
Why is it important?
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.
Cherbourg is a place of significance in Queensland as it was a former Aboriginal Reserve set up under the Queensland’s Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897. Members and staff visited the Ration Shed Museum and Cherbourg/Barambah dormitories, which were home to generations of children who were removed from their families.
The Inquiry will be working to uncover experiences of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples who lived under the Act in places like Cherbourg and will empower them to share their experiences in a trauma informed and culturally appropriate way. The initial priority is to capture and share the experiences of Elders.
*Sources: https://www.truth-telling-qld.com.au/
Visit the Cherbourg Memory Project
Our Cherbourg Memory web app allows you to browse our archive of photos and videos as well as discovering aboriginal history in South East Qld with our Decade by Decade and Theme timeline apps.