perth, Australia – A momentous occasion unfolded on Bindjareb Noongar country as the Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson, delivered a formal apology to the Bindjareb Noongar people. the apology acknowledges the horrific events of 1834, now known as the Pinjarra Massacre, where a violent attack led by the colony’s frist governor, James Stirling, targeted Noongar men, women, and children.
A Long-Awaited Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
- 1. A Long-Awaited Acknowledgement
- 2. Honoring the Advocates for Truth
- 3. A Gesture of Reconciliation
- 4. Understanding Historical Massacres of indigenous Peoples
- 5. Frequently asked Questions about the Pinjarra Massacre
- 6. What systemic injustices contributed to the tensions leading up to the Pinjarra Massacre?
- 7. 191 Years Later: Noongar Bindjareb Receive Long-Awaited Apology for Pinjarra Massacre
- 8. The Ancient Context of the Pinjarra Massacre
- 9. The Long Road to Recognition and Apology
- 10. The Apology Delivered – October 28, 2024
- 11. Key Elements of the Apology & Subsequent Commitments
- 12. The Significance for Reconciliation in Australia
The apology holds profound significance for the Bindjareb Noongar community and their descendants, who have carried the weight of this past trauma for nearly two centuries. Customary Owner Karrie-Anne Kearing expressed the depth of meaning this moment held for her people, noting that acknowledging the truth and its lasting impact represents genuine growth.
“Saying sorry is never easy, however, it signifies progress and any progress involves some level of discomfort and pain,” Kearing stated. “It demonstrates the length of time it has taken for someone in a position of authority to acknowledge the truth of what transpired here and the wide-ranging effects it has had on all Aboriginal people.”
Honoring the Advocates for Truth
Kearing also used the occasion to honor those who tirelessly advocated for recognition of the massacre and its devastating consequences. She specifically acknowledged Pop Oscar Little, her father Theo Kearing, and her Aunty Leslie Morrison, whose dedication ensured the truth was not forgotten.
A minute of silence was observed during the ceremony, punctuated by the resonant sound of clapping sticks. This symbolic act represented the cessation of gunfire on October 28, 1834 – the date of the tragic event. the community annually gathers on this date to remember the massacre.
A Gesture of Reconciliation
Governor Dawson approached the solemn occasion with humility, stating he came “on foot, unarmed, to walk softly” on the sacred land. He directly apologized for the “dreadful wrongs perpetrated by the first Governor of Western Australia against the Bindjareb Noongar people”, framing the apology as a vital act of truth-telling and a crucial stride towards healing and rebuilding trust.
To commemorate the apology, Governor Dawson presented the community with a sapling originating from an olive tree planted at Government House in 1835 by james Stirling. In a reciprocal gesture of reconciliation and renewal, Traditional Owners gifted a Jarrah tree to be planted at Government House.
| Event | Date | Key figures |
|---|---|---|
| Pinjarra Massacre | October 28, 1834 | James Stirling, bindjareb Noongar People |
| Formal Apology | October 29, 2025 | Chris Dawson, Karrie-Anne Kearing |
“This is not the conclusion, but rather the commencement of a new chapter focused on collaborative efforts to create a memorial for our people,” Kearing emphasized, signaling a commitment to continued progress and remembrance.
Understanding Historical Massacres of indigenous Peoples
The Pinjarra Massacre is part of a broader, painful history of conflict and violence experienced by Indigenous populations worldwide. According to a 2023 report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, violence against Indigenous peoples remains a pervasive issue globally, often stemming from land disputes and historical injustices. Addressing these past wrongs through truth-telling and reconciliation is vital for fostering just and equitable societies.
The term “massacre” itself is subject to debate, with some historians preferring terms like “frontier violence” or “conflict” to describe these events. However, the scale of the violence and the deliberate targeting of Indigenous peoples in many instances justify the use of the term “massacre.”
Frequently asked Questions about the Pinjarra Massacre
- What was the Pinjarra Massacre? The Pinjarra massacre was a violent attack on the Bindjareb Noongar people in 1834 by the first Governor of Western Australia, James Stirling, and his forces.
- Why is the apology significant? The apology represents a long-overdue acknowledgement of the historical trauma inflicted upon the Bindjareb Noongar people and a step towards reconciliation.
- Who is Karrie-Anne Kearing? Karrie-Anne Kearing is a Traditional Owner of the bindjareb Noongar people and a key advocate for the recognition of the massacre.
- What is the significance of the tree exchange? The exchange of saplings symbolizes reconciliation and a commitment to a renewed relationship between the Bindjareb Noongar people and the government.
- What are the next steps following the apology? The community plans to work together to create a memorial honoring the victims of the massacre.
What does this apology signify for the future of Indigenous-Australian relations? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.
What systemic injustices contributed to the tensions leading up to the Pinjarra Massacre?
191 Years Later: Noongar Bindjareb Receive Long-Awaited Apology for Pinjarra Massacre
The Ancient Context of the Pinjarra Massacre
The Pinjarra Massacre,a dark chapter in Australian colonial history,occurred on October 28,1834,in Pinjarra,Western Australia. It involved the brutal killing of Noongar people – specifically the Bindjareb Noongar people – by a detachment of the 63rd Regiment and local settlers. the event stemmed from escalating tensions over land, resources, and the perceived threat posed by Noongar resistance to colonial expansion.
* Land Dispossession: The primary driver of conflict was the rapid and often violent dispossession of Noongar land by European settlers. Traditional hunting grounds and sacred sites were claimed for agriculture and pastoralism.
* Resource Competition: Competition for dwindling resources, especially water and game, further exacerbated tensions.
* Perceived Threat: Colonial authorities and settlers viewed Noongar resistance,including spearing of livestock and minor skirmishes,as a meaningful threat to their security.
Historical accounts estimate between 10 and 40 Noongar people were killed during the massacre, though the exact number remains contested. The event was a pivotal moment in the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the colonial settlers, marking a period of increased violence and oppression. The massacre is a key event in the history of Western Australia and a significant part of the broader story of colonial violence in Australia.
The Long Road to Recognition and Apology
for nearly two centuries, the Pinjarra Massacre remained largely unacknowledged by the Western Australian government. The lack of official recognition compounded the trauma experienced by the Noongar community, hindering the healing process and perpetuating intergenerational grief.
* Early Accounts & Suppression: Initial reports of the massacre were frequently enough biased, downplaying the violence and portraying the noongar people as aggressors. Efforts were made to suppress accounts that were sympathetic to the Noongar viewpoint.
* advocacy & Activism: Over decades, Noongar elders and activists tirelessly campaigned for recognition and an apology. This advocacy included petitions, protests, and the sharing of oral histories.
* Growing Public Awareness: Increased public awareness of Indigenous issues and the growing movement for reconciliation in Australia gradually shifted the political landscape. Academic research and historical investigations also played a crucial role in uncovering the truth about the massacre.
* truth-telling initiatives: The recent focus on truth-telling regarding Australia’s colonial past has been instrumental in bringing the pinjarra Massacre to the forefront of public consciousness.
The Apology Delivered – October 28, 2024
On October 28, 2024 – 190 years after the massacre – the Western Australian government formally apologized to the Noongar Bindjareb people for the atrocities committed at Pinjarra. The apology was delivered by Premier Roger Cook at a solemn ceremony held in Pinjarra, attended by Noongar elders, community members, and government officials.
The apology acknowledged the profound pain and suffering caused by the massacre and recognized the lasting impact on the Noongar community. It also committed the government to ongoing efforts to address the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.The event was broadcast live across the state, marking a significant moment in the journey towards reconciliation. The Pinjarra apology is considered a landmark event in Australian history.
Key Elements of the Apology & Subsequent Commitments
The apology wasn’t simply words; it was accompanied by concrete commitments aimed at addressing the ongoing legacy of the massacre and supporting the Noongar community.
- Financial Compensation: A significant financial package was announced to support noongar cultural revitalization projects, education initiatives, and health programs.
- Cultural Heritage Protection: Increased funding was allocated to protect and preserve Noongar cultural heritage sites, including those located in the Pinjarra region.
- Education & Awareness: the government committed to incorporating the history of the Pinjarra Massacre into the Western Australian school curriculum, ensuring that future generations learn about this crucial event.
- Joint Management of Land: Discussions are underway regarding joint management arrangements for land in the Pinjarra area, giving the Noongar community a greater say in the management of their traditional lands.
- Healing and Wellbeing programs: Funding for culturally appropriate healing and wellbeing programs designed to address the intergenerational trauma caused by the massacre.
The Significance for Reconciliation in Australia
The apology for the Pinjarra Massacre represents a crucial step forward in the process of reconciliation in Australia. It demonstrates a willingness by the government to confront the difficult truths of the past and to acknowledge the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous Australians.
* setting a Precedent: The Pinjarra
