On October 31, 2023, Governor Chris Dawson issued a formal apology to the Traditional Owners of Western Australia for the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre. This historic acknowledgment marks a significant step in confronting the long-buried truths of the state’s colonial past. The apology, delivered during a ceremony at the Pinjarra memorial, is seen as a critical act of reconciliation, shining a light on the atrocities committed against the Bindjareb people.
Uncovering the Truth Behind the Atrocity
The massacre, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 20 Bindjareb individuals, including men, women, and children, was not merely a spontaneous conflict. Instead, it was a premeditated attack directed by the highest authority of the colony. Governor James Stirling led armed officials in a calculated ambush against a Bindjareb camp near Pinjarra, a fact that has been largely omitted from official narratives for decades.
Governor Dawson emphasized the importance of recognizing the nature of this event, stating, “This attack… was planned and led by a governor.” This acknowledgment moves the event from the ambiguous realm of “frontier violence” into the clearer category of state-sanctioned atrocity. By openly naming the massacre, Western Australia confronts a painful chapter in its history that has often been downplayed or mischaracterized.
Emma Garlett, a legal academic and member of the Nylyaparli-Yamatji-Nyungar community, expressed the significance of this moment. She noted that the apology is not merely an act of formality but a necessary step toward healing. “The tragedy of the Bindjareb people at Pinjarra should never again be relegated to the shadows of history,” she stated, highlighting the need for ongoing truth-telling regarding the injustices faced by Indigenous communities.
Historical Context and the Path Forward
The events leading up to the Pinjarra massacre involved prior tensions, including the public flogging of Bindjareb men and the spearing of two settlers. Such incidents contributed to an atmosphere of violence and animosity, culminating in the tragic ambush orchestrated by colonial authorities. Governor Dawson’s acknowledgment of the massacre as a deliberate act of violence serves to reshape the historical narrative around these events.
“This massacre is not just an isolated incident; it is part of a broader history of violence against Indigenous peoples,” Garlett said.
The apology is a pivotal moment for reconciliation in Western Australia, as it opens the door to a more accurate representation of the state’s history. Governor Dawson’s statement that he is unaware of any other massacre “attributed to a governor” underscores the unique and troubling nature of this event. This recognition allows for a deeper understanding of the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous communities today.
As Western Australia embarks on this journey of truth-telling, the hope is that it will pave the way for further acknowledgments of past injustices. The step taken by Governor Dawson is a reminder of the power of historical honesty and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths. The question remains: how many other painful truths lie hidden in the annals of history?
The Pinjarra Massacre apology represents a significant shift in the narrative surrounding colonization and its impacts. It serves as a crucial foundation for ongoing dialogues about justice, equity, and the future of relations between Indigenous peoples and the state. As the community reflects on this moment, the emphasis will be on ensuring that history is told with the integrity it deserves.
