Truth telling and healing: Bridging Now to Next

Bridging Now to Next

Proud Waluwarra Wangkayujuru Wangkaymunha woman Professor Parker said this year’s theme encourages everyone to engage in meaningful conversations and move forward as one.

“Over the past two years, we have faced uncertainty in our reconciliation journey,” Professor Parker said.

“As we reflect on our past, we co-create Australia’s storyboard for a shared future and have an opportunity to build respectful and meaningful relationships.

“Bridging Now to Next is about bridging the voices of our ancestors, from our elders, to be handed down to the next generation.

"Our future leaders—those sitting among us right now—will inherit a world shaped by both pain and possibility. And to lead well, they must do more than make decisions. They must understand how to heal.

"Healing is not a soft skill. It is a courageous act. It means listening deeply. It means acknowledging the wounds of the past—especially those carried by our First Nations communities—and working together to create a future that is just, inclusive, and whole.

"Truth-telling is not just about facts. It’s about stories. It’s about voices that have been silenced for too long being heard, honoured, and believed. It’s about creating space for uncomfortable conversations—and staying in that space long enough to grow.

"This year’s theme gives us a platform to do just that. To speak honestly. To listen openly. To lead with empathy.

"So to our young leaders: your voice matters. Your story matters. And your ability to lead with both strength and compassion will shape the future of our communities.

"Let us walk forward together—with truth in our words, healing in our hearts, and hope in our hands."

The power of truth-telling

Truth-telling recognises the strength and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by enabling a more accurate account of Australia’s history through sharing historical and ongoing experiences and truths.

Bidjara and Birri-Gubba Juru woman Professor Huggins has been advocating for treaty, truth-telling and reconciliation for over 45 years through her writing.

“When I was an undergraduate student, one of my tutors encouraged me to write books and articles about history and women’s studies; so I did,” Professor Huggins said.

“It’s been something I’ve continued to do, as an absolute way to tell the truth and speak about it.

“During my time as co-chair for the Queensland Government’s Panel and Treaty Working Group, it was rewarding to see the interest our peoples had in being able to tell their truth with non-Indigenous Australians.

“We did consultations right around the state and were very fortunate to have both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people share their lived experiences.

“We are just 3 per cent of the population, so we need everyone to become allies to really know the true history of our country.”

Professor Parker explains truth-telling is simply that; telling the true history of Australia.

“It’s about sharing the truth of our people and recognising our deep connection to this land we all stand on,” Professor Parker said.

“Everyone, in their own way, must engage with truth-telling—and it is the younger generation who will carry this responsibility forward, adding new layers to the national story.”

This belief inspired Professor Parker to introduce the Australian Blanket Exercise across major organisations and school systems. To date, it has reached more than 20,000 participants.

The exercise invites people to walk in the footsteps of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by sharing their lived experiences. It explores the impacts of colonisation, the legacy of the Voice referendum, and the importance of commemorating events like National Reconciliation Week.