- Grant will support three truth-telling and healing projects led by Yokai Healing Our Spirit
- Projects include a documentary, book with educational resources, and virtual reality experiences
- Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment towards healing and reconciliation
A series of truth-telling and healing initiatives that will preserve the stories of Stolen Generations survivors and foster a deeper understanding of Western Australia's shared history has been made possible thanks to the Cook Labor Government.
Through a $200,000 Lotterywest grant, Yokai Healing Our Spirit will deliver three interconnected projects: an immersive virtual reality experience, a new documentary, and a book supported by educational resources.
Together, these initiatives will help foster meaningful engagement with the experiences of Stolen Generations survivors and a deeper understanding of Australia's shared history in the lead-up to the 2026 and 2029 bicentenaries.
One initiative will use virtual reality technology to digitally enhance images of significant buildings at former mission sites, creating an immersive truth-telling experience that assists survivors and their families on their healing journeys while helping the broader community engage with this important history.
The grant will also enable completion of a new documentary, a sequel to Genocide in the Wildflower State.
The film will examine the enduring effects of policies that removed Aboriginal children from their families, cultures, and Country, while documenting the lived experiences of survivors and their descendants.
It will also explore themes including intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, and the challenges faced by Stolen Generations families across multiple generations.
In partnership with the Healing Foundation, Yokai Healing Our Spirit will also publish a book and accompanying educational resources that expand on themes explored in the film.
Featuring contributions from leading academics, subject matter experts, and survivors, the publication will provide an enduring resource for learning, reflection, and understanding.
The Lotterywest grant will help fund time-limited staff positions, specialist consultancy services, production costs, educational resource development, and project administration.
Established in 2013, Yokai Healing Our Spirit was formed in response to ongoing gaps in the implementation of recommendations from the landmark Bringing Them Home report.
Since then, the organisation has played a significant role in advocating for Stolen Generations survivors and advancing healing and reconciliation initiatives across Western Australia.
Lotterywest has previously provided two grants to the organisation, totalling $426,500.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"The experiences of Stolen Generations survivors are a profoundly important part of Western Australia's history and our collective journey towards reconciliation.
"These projects will create opportunities for survivors and their families to share their stories, preserve their experiences for future generations, and contribute to greater understanding across the community.
"By supporting truth-telling initiatives through film, education, and innovative technologies, we are helping to strengthen healing, foster respect, and encourage meaningful conversations about our shared history."
