Media statement
Yesterday, on the anniversary of the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre, Governor Chris Dawson visited the Pinjarra Massacre Memorial site along with Bindjareb Traditional Owners and apologised to the descendants of this tragic event.
In October 1834 armed officials, led by then-Governor James Stirling, ambushed a Noongar camp killing around 20 unarmed men, women, and children on the Murray River. Many more were injured.
While this horrific massacre was 191 years ago, we know that the pain is still strong for the families, and the hurt and trauma is carried through the generations.
The public apology aligns with Noongar (Koorah, Nitja, Boordahwan) (Past, Present, Future) Recognition Act 2016 which recognises our Noongar people as the traditional owners of Noongar Boodja, their important relationship with Noongar lands, and their significant and unique contribution to the heritage, cultural identity, community, and economy of Western Australia.
South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) CEO Vanessa Kickett said:
“We stand in support of the Bindjareb people of our Noongar Nation. Their brave ancestors never gave up, and their formidable strength and resilience is seen in our people to this day.”
“We hope this acknowledgement and apology helps our Noongar people to heal.”
Download: SWALSC media statement (PDF 117KB)