Uncle Jack Charles Makes History As First Elder To Share His Story For Truth Telling Commission
“I wasn’t even told I was Aboriginal – I had to discover that for myself.”
The Yoorrook Justice Commission commission has officially opened public hearings and renowned actor and activist Uncle Jack Charles has made history as the first Aboriginal elder to share his story.
The commission was formally created in March of 2021 to establish an official record of the impact of colonisation and injustices on the First Peoples in Victoria. With an interim report of ongoing findings due in June, the commission has been hearing the stories and inquiries of First Nations Victorians since April last year. The Yoorrook Justice Commission is the first truth-telling Commission into truth and justice for the Aboriginal peoples of Victoria.
In the first public hearings, or wurrek tyerrang, Uncle Jack Charles told the Commission he was, “whitewashed by the system”. Charles spoke of his childhood when he was forcibly removed from the care of his parents and placed at Box Hill Boys Home where he experienced both physical and sexual violence for 12 years.
“I do remember crying myself to sleep,” Charles said. “I wasn’t even told I was Aboriginal – I had to discover that for myself.”
While giving his testimony, Charles also sang part of a song he used to sing at the Salvation Army establishment. The song referenced everybody living in “gladness” because of the white man’s arrival.
The 78-year-old Wiradjuri-Bunurong man is the first elder to testify at the public hearings. The Yoorrook Justice Commission has opted to initially limit public hearings and submissions to elders to ensure their work is guided by cultural authority. Charles has made history as the first of the Elders to share. Others will be able to have their say later this year.
The first round of public hearings will conclude in May before a 2nd round later this year. In June of 2024, the commission will recommend reform and redress and the findings will guide Victoria’s Treaty negotiations.
Uncle Jack Charles was featured on a recent episode of SBS’ Who Do You Think You Are? where, at 77, he was able to reconnect with his family.