THE Peel community will unite on the banks of the Murray River in Pinjarra on Saturday to commemorate the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre and pay respects to the ancestors who fell.
The Shire of Murray and Bindjareb Nyungar will host the Back to Pinjarra Day at the Pinjarra massacre site opposite Pinjarra Cemetery from 10am to 1pm.
In recognition of one of the most notorious incidents in Aboriginal history, the event aims to create cultural awareness in the community and help with the spiritual healing of the Bindjareb nation and the first Australians.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWBack to Pinjarra Day will start with a Welcome to Country, one minute’s silence and a smoking ceremony.
Cultural enlightenment and healing will be enhanced through traditional dance and an open mic session, including slam poetry, Dreamtime stories, live music and didgeridoo performances. Aboriginal cuisine and billy tea will also be served.
Children’s tribal face painting and cultural wristbands will be available at cost.
Cr Maree Reid said the day was a significant step forward for the district.
“Understanding the Aboriginal people carry their grief through generations, it is important to acknowledge our shared history and allow opportunity for the Bindjareb people to heal,’’ she said.
Back to Pinjarra is supported by the WA Primary Health Alliance(WAPHA) through the Shire of Murray’s Completing the Circle project.
The project aims to improve mental health in the Murray and is based on the Aboriginal medicine wheel which promotes healing within four quadrants – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
The Completing the Circle project is managed by the Shire of Murray in conjunction with the WAPHA Aboriginal Project Panel.