A core principle of truth-telling is that it should always be First Nations led. This means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities are the ones setting the direction and making the key decisions. This does not mean expecting First Nations peoples to have all the answers or to do all the work of the truth-telling activity.

This fact sheet outlines the importance of First Nations led truth-telling, knowing whose lead to follow, navigating differing views and non-Indigenous truth-tellers. It identifies places to start and appropriate actions.

First Nations led truth-telling:

• centres First Nations voices, knowledge and perspectives
• prioritises the needs and aspirations of the First Nations people of that place
• gives First Nations peoples the final say over decisions at every step in the process.

Key points

• First Nations peoples hold deep cultural authority and lived experience, they know what is missing and what needs to be told.
• If and how historical information should be shared, is most appropriately decided by those directly impacted and their descendants.
• When First Nations perspectives are welcomed unconditionally, it can break the cycle of omitting and forgetting and promote wellbeing.
• Decisions have long been made on behalf of First Nations peoples under the assumption that non-Indigenous people know best. First Nations led truth-telling resists this narrative.