Call for unity and truth at Reclaim The Space event

A gathering of communities in Boorloo/Perth’s Forrest Place on Sunday saw elders call for unity, justice, healing and truth after the terror attack on the Invasion Day rally on January 26.

But for many it was a difficult day, returning to the site of that horrendous attack.

“Today is about coming together, with a hand on heart, saying ‘no more’. No more racism and prejudice in this country,” Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri Mccarthy, said.

“We want to be able to live in this country… where we are safe, where we feel respected in who we are and our sense of self and identity. That’s what this moment is.

“I thank all of you for being here.”

WA Premier Roger Cook thanked the organisers, the Boorloo Aboriginal Alliance, and acknowledged that those at the event were part of a healing process ‘to reclaim our place and our peace.”

Tne gathering was attended by several State and Federal politicians including WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Punch, Federal MP for Perth Patrick Gorman and Senator for WA Dorinda Cox.

One speaker, Dr Jim Morrison of Yokai – Healing Our Spirt, called for a Victoria style truth and justice commission.

“Work with us to ensure that the truth must be told, if we are to have any hope for justice and healing in Australia,” he said.

The event, attended by hundreds of people featured cultural activities, including dance and Indigenous artists Inkabee and Fluent, Lilly Gofos and Uncle Shaneo.