Yoorrook Justice Commission hosting Elders’ Yarning Circles in Shepparton

By Caitlyn Grant

Apr 7, 2022

Yoorrook Justice Commission: Commissioners Professor Kevin Bell, Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter, Yoorook chair Professor Eleanor Bourke, Dr Wayne Atkinson and Yoorrook deputy chair Sue-Anne Hunter.

Elders from the Shepparton region will meet with Yoorrook Commissioners to provide insights into The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s inquiry.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The commission is Victoria’s first and only formal truth-telling process into injustices experienced by First Peoples since colonisation.

As part of the the commission’s Roadmap to Hearing Elders’ Voices, phase three, Elders’ Yarning Circles, will allow commissioners to hear from Elders directly.

Commissioners have been visiting Elders across the state and in regional communities to attain feedback and guidance on the investigation into past and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations peoples since colonisation.

Commissioners will yarn with Shepparton Elders in one of three ways.

Elders can take part in Elders’ Yarns, a group meeting with other Elders and commissioners or if preferred one-on-one sessions can be requested.

The third option is a site visit, in which Elders can invite commissioners to visit historical or culturally significant sites in the region.

Along with attending the Elders’ Yarns, during the visit to Shepparton commissioners will take part in an on-Country tour accompanied by local Elders.

The Elders’ Yarning Circles have been taking place in regional hubs across Victoria over five weeks, and will conclude on April 22.

Once complete, phase four, Elders’ Truth Telling will give Elders the opportunity to tell their truths and determine if they want to contribute to the commission’s official public record and report.

All phases of the roadmap will contribute to the development of the commission’s interim report, which is due for submission on June 30.

Any local Elders who would like to meet with commissioners can email joseph.saunders@yoorrook.org.au or call 0459 871 952.

Elders’ Yarns in Shepparton will take place on Monday, April 11, from 10am to 12.30pm at Rumbalara Football and Netball Club and from 2pm to 4pm at Rumbalara Elders’ Facility.