Fremantle acknowledges execution of Nyoongar leader Midgegooroo

As part of its Truth Telling project, the City of Fremantle will today fly flags at half-mast to mark the execution of Nyoongar leader Midgegooroo on 22 May 1833.

At the time of settlement, Midgegooroo was the leader of the Whadjuk clan that occupied and cared for Beeliar, which included greater Fremantle.

He was executed by firing squad without trial for allegedly having killed settlers in retaliation for the killing of an Aboriginal man who was accused of stealing potatoes and a fowl.

To this day, Midgegooroo remains a significant figure in Western Australian history, with a number of streets and a national park named after him.

His son, Yagan, was also a well-known Nyoongar leader, who played a significant role at the time of settlement.

The City of Fremantle is one of an increasing number of local communities who are working together to acknowledge previously untold or unrecognised parts of their local histories.

One of the most important mechanisms for the City's work in reconciliation is its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The RAP 2024-27 includes a new pillar on Truth Telling which will guide the City in developing our new programs and initiatives.

The Fremantle community is encouraged to be part of the conversation throughout the year.

Future opportunities to get involved in the Truth Telling program include an expansion of the activities at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre in its 10th year; backyard truth telling sessions; exhibitions; yarning circles; story-time and restoring the City's oral history collections.

These opportunities will be shared through monthly announcements.

For more information go to fremantle.wa.gov.au/truth-telling-program

For more information on the life of Midgegooroo and his son Yagan go to freotopia.org/people/midgegoroo and noongarculture.org.au/yagan