Turning intergenerational trauma into change & deconstructing common misconceptions with proud Gurindji man, John Burgess

In Depth & In Focus

There’s no doubt that Australians are afforded an incredible array of opportunities that many others around the world sadly won’t experience in their lifetime.
Despite being a country united on many fronts, there is still much work to be done when it comes to understanding the profound and lasting trauma felt by our First Nations People.
Ultimately, more awareness over the years in this space has led to many of the next generation of young Australians, deeply acknowledging the damage that has been done, and showing genuine support through allyship and actively seeking more education.
Proud Gurindji man, John Burgess joins us for episode 6.
From a young age, John was unconsciously navigating a childhood underpinned by intergenerational trauma. His mum was forcibly taken from her mother and sister in 1942, at the age of two.
As in most children’s cases of the stolen generation, her personal records were destroyed, leading her on a lifelong quest to rediscover who she really was. A journey that John and his sisters would eventually join her on, connecting their family back to her country in Kalkaringi, Northern Territory. And taking them on an emotional road to the very location where so many of these atrocities were committed, Wave Hill Station.
In this episode, John opens up about his gratitude in being able to turn intergenerational trauma, into intergenerational change, through the inception of Little Rocket. Little Rocket is a 100% Indigenous owned and operated creative marketing agency which was founded by John 14 years ago, and now consists of over 20 passionate creatives, who are just as committed to social change as he is.
We felt strongly about using this episode as an opportunity to deconstruct some of the misconceptions around Australia’s First Nations history, particularly in regards to January 26 and the referendum that took place earlier this year for an Aboriginal voice to parliament. John takes a light hearted approach to some of these heavy topics, but is very matter of fact in answering our questions.
We believe that more education and awareness in this space is one positive way forward. This episode is purely that, and can hopefully provide a little more insight into the history of Indigenous Australia, through the lived experience of an amazing First Nations man, and someone we are lucky enough to call a good friend.
This is In Depth & In Focus, with John Burgess.
WARNING:
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned that the following episode contains the stories of First Nations people who are deceased. This episode also discusses some heavy subject matter, which some people may find triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.