Healing Wounds, Honoring Voices: Karabena Consulting and the City of Melbourne Unite for the Stolen Generations Marker

David Reid
Senior Consultant Associate

Introduction:

In a powerful collaboration, Karabena Consulting, a 100% Indigenous-owned company in Australia, partnered with the City of Melbourne to embark on a momentous project - the Stolen Generations Marker. This significant initiative aimed to recognize truth-telling, share Aboriginal culture, and acknowledge the experiences of dispossession, fostering healing and reconciliation within Melbourne and beyond. Through a comprehensive consultation process, Karabena Consulting worked diligently to ensure the voices of Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants were heard, crafting a space that honors their journey and fosters unity.

Project Overview:

The City of Melbourne, dedicated to fostering reconciliation, commissioned Karabena Consulting to consult with Stolen Generations survivors, their descendants, and those affected by government policies that led to these painful chapters in Victoria's history. The project's objective was to identify the preferred location for a Stolen Generations Marker within Melbourne and determine how the site should be utilized.

Listening to the Voices:

Karabena Consulting took a culturally sensitive approach, co-designing the consultation methodology with the Working Group. This inclusive approach allowed them to gain insights from multiple sources and perspectives. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the City of Melbourne administered surveys, while Karabena conducted community consultations and one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders across various locations in Victoria, including Preston, Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton, and Caroline Springs.

Building a Culturally Safe Space:

The team at Karabena Consulting understood the importance of creating a culturally safe environment for these consultations. Interviewers and facilitators were First Nations people, and support was readily available for those who found the discussions triggering. The focus groups began with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by local Traditional Owners, setting the tone for open and respectful dialogue.

The Methodological Outcomes:

The project's key outputs were impressive. Karabena Consulting delivered a co-designed engagement plan, successful workshops, and interview sessions that captured the heartfelt wishes of the Stolen Generations. Summary reports were thoughtfully provided back to participants from each workshop, ensuring transparency and inclusion in the decision-making process.

The Outcome:

The consultations echoed a resounding sense of unity and commitment to the Stolen Generations Marker as a space to honor the experiences of those affected by forced removals. It became evident that the Marker would play a crucial role in promoting healing, reconciliation, and educating the broader community about this dark chapter in Australia's history.

Beyond the Brief:

In the pursuit of a deeper understanding, Karabena Consulting uncovered vital insights that go beyond the project's initial scope. Emotions ran deep at the proposed location, as it held personal connections to the Stolen Generations' past. Symbolism and cultural appropriateness emerged as pivotal elements in the Marker's design, reflecting the spirit of the Indigenous communities it represents.

Planting the Seeds of Connection:

As the Stolen Generations Marker takes shape, its potential impact becomes ever more profound. It stands not only as an acknowledgment and recognition of past injustices but also as a crucial step in the healing journey for the Stolen Generations. Moreover, the Marker and its location have the potential to become a powerful tool for nurturing deeper connections within the community. Through commemorative events, genealogical tours, educational initiatives, and a living library of stories, the Marker will serve as a timeless testament to resilience and unity.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between Karabena Consulting and the City of Melbourne has been an inspiring example of genuine partnership and dedication to reconciliation. By giving voice to Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants, the Stolen Generations Marker promises to become a symbol of healing, a beacon of remembrance, and a powerful tool for educating future generations about the need for unity and understanding. As we witness the fruition of this endeavor, let us remember the resilience of Australia's Indigenous communities and continue striving for a future where truth, culture, and shared history pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.