Truth-telling resources hub

These resources promote practices that respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture and are informed by research and ongoing learning from community.

Cultural warning: this page contains material that may be distressing, particularly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This includes references to and images of deceased persons, as well as historical images that may be confronting. Please take care when accessing this material. If you need support, please visit our First Nations social and emotional support service directory.

Where to start

Build your understanding of  truth-telling.

Explore how non-Indigenous people can contribute.

Learn why First Nations led truth-telling is important.

Findings on the planning and delivery of effective truth-telling.

How community truth-telling contributes to reconciliation.

Explores three key areas including truth-telling and healing.

More resources are being developed, sign up to be notified when they are available.

Protecting ICIP

Practical guidance for First Nations peoples on their ICIP rights. Start with the short fact sheet and delve into the guide for more information.

What truth-telling can look like

Communities are working together on place based truth-telling in a range of creative ways. Read below some of the many forms community truth-telling can take.

Search
Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

Skip to content
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap