Reconciliation Concept Presentation
A Shared History to Reconciliation
The Myall Creek Massacre is a significant event in Australian history and must be acknowledged for the ongoing pain it has brought to the nation. A tragic and irreplaceable loss of language, culture and identity among Aboriginal tribes resulted from this massacre, as well as those that followed, heightening the need for preservation of the valuable indigenous culture that remains. The stories of Australia, that bind us all together are multifaceted in such a way that the varied perspectives must be shared as both the convicts and natives have stories of great value to bring to understanding Australian history in all of its glory and shame. With such great loss of our nation’s heritage, it is essential that indigenous teachings and values are continued to be passed down to younger generations for the preservation of Australian history and culture and must be supported by not only those involved, but the whole nation and recognized beyond our land and waters for a true sense of reconciliation. Our stories of this social transition to a state of reconciliation need to be shared internationally to set an example of history being used to reconcile and reinstate relationships despite cultural differences and past conflicts.
Where do we go from here?
Ecotourism - Awareness - Regeneration - Prosperity
As part of the reconciliation movement, an Education and Cultural Centre has been proposed for the site opposite the Myall Creek Massacre Memorial on Whitlow Road, Bingara. This centre will support the awareness of the Myall Creek Massacre along with those that followed, educating visitors of the devastating causes and consequences faced on our land and the important journey of reconciliation, reshaping the way Indigenous Australians are perceived. To compliment this proposal, further investigation has been conducted regarding the implementation of ‘reconciliation trails’ which will be designed for varied intensity bike rides and walks with interpretive experiences along the journey in relation to this reconciliation movement. These interpretive trails will incorporate stories of the ‘forgotten’ people involved in exposing the truth of these massacres, as they too, contributed greatly to how far Australian society has come today. Storytelling, as a form of Indigenous culture is shared in a variety of ways such as song, dance, painting and carving which will be incorporated in the reconciliation trails to enhance the interactive nature of the experience. As these trails will create linkages to various locations of significance in the region such as local creeks, nature reserves, old stock routes and the ‘Living Classroom’, interpretive signage and educational experiences will also be found along the way. Indigenous land management practices such as permaculture, regeneration of the land and living off the land by educating visitors about bush tucker will be focused on at such interpretive rest points.