Article published by Cheek Media Co. Image: Nico Smit
A national truth-telling process is not universally supported by Aboriginal people, and recent enthusiasm for a national Indigenous truth commission has been met with perplexity by many in grassroots communities. However, without a national Voice, there is no credible mechanism to gauge the full breadth of community sentiment.
Truth-telling has become a trendy buzzword in Indigenous affairs and among well-meaning allies. Like reconciliation, co-design and a myriad of other policy mantras, truth glosses over the acute power imbalance that drives Indigenous disadvantage. For some, “truth-telling” is the only process through which “justice” for First Nations peoples will finally be realised. It is spoken of as some new innovation. I don’t agree.