The annual memorial commemoration ceremony for those who died in the Myall Creek massacre was held on Saturday with a strong focus on education.

The Myall Creek Memorial was erected on the Bingara- Delungra Road in June 2000 by a group of Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people working together in an act of reconciliation.

The memorial commemorates the unprovoked massacre of 28 Wirrayaraay women, children and old men by a group of stockmen in 1838.

The story of the massacre, of those who fought to bring it to justice, and of the remarkable ongoing and growing grassroots reconciliation were told through the annual memorial ceremony.

Myall Creek Memorial Committee member Ivan Roberts said the committee had been encouraged by the interest of young people and this years memorial focused on young people and education.

“The story of the Myall Creek Massacre is extensively used by schools in history, English and Aboriginal studies classes.

“There is barely a week that goes by when there is not a group of school students visiting the site,” Mr Roberts said.

Students from year 11 Aboriginal studies at Inverell High attended the ceremony where they gave a speech.

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch also presented students with awards for a creating writing and arts competition organized by the Myall Creek Memorial Committee in the lead up to Saturday.

© 2010 Inverell Times

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