NYFL CEO CALLS FOR TRUTH-TELLING ON FRONTIER WARS AND NATIONAL MEMORY

BY ASAD KHAN

In a recent public statement, Sean-Paul Stephens, CEO of Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL), urged Australians to confront and recognise the Frontier Wars and acts of First Nations resistance as part of the country's national memory.

Reflecting on the nation's approach to commemorating military history, Stephens said, "Wars took place on this soil from 1788 onwards. These Frontier Wars are largely absent from the national memory and days of reflection."

He highlighted the story of Jandamarra, a Bunuba resistance leader who led a guerrilla war against colonial forces from 1894, using tactical and evasive methods that became almost mythical.

"Jandamarra’s war was only twenty years before the start of WWI,"

"There were many like Jandamarra across the nations of this continent. Those who led their nation in wars of resistance. Pemulwuy, Windradyne, Mannalargenna and so on. These are names all Australians should know." he said.

He reflected on his own upbringing, recalling that while he learned about Australia's involvement in overseas conflicts and his family's military history — with relatives who served in New Guinea, at Gallipoli, and at Fromelles — he was taught little about the wars fought on Australian soil.

"As a nation, we must be truthful. We cannot selectively choose our history to enforce a certain national identity,"

Responding to reports of booing during the Welcome to Country at Melbourne’s Anzac Day dawn service, he criticised displays of intolerance, reminding the public that many who served in WWI and WWII — including First Nations soldiers — fought against hatred and discrimination.

"I know my grandfathers, great grandfathers would be ashamed by those people who spill hate. They fought so Australia could be free from hateful ideology."

He called for a reconciled and truthful approach to remembrance. "We can honour all those who deserve to be remembered. We can do that in a reconciled and truthful way," he said.

Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) continues to advocate for social impact, truth-telling, and the recognition of First Nations histories across the Pilbara and beyond.