The descendants of victims of the Pinjarra Massacre in Western Australia received a long-awaited apology from Governor Chris Dawson on Tuesday. This marks the first public acknowledgment of the massacre's impact on the Binjareb people of the Nyungar Nation, nearly 200 years after the tragic event. On October 28, 1834, then-Governor James Stirling led an armed group that ambushed a Nyungar camp along the Murray River, resulting in the deaths of approximately 20 unarmed Indigenous men, women, and children. The massacre is considered one of the darkest chapters in Western Australia's history. During the ceremony, held 80 kilometers south of Perth, Dawson expressed his sorrow for the actions of his predecessor. "As Governor of Western Australia, I come to you today to say I am deeply sorry for the actions of my predecessor and for the pain and suffering he caused," he stated. The event was attended by elders, local families, and students, all gathering on the sacred land where their ancestors were killed. For many descendants, hearing the word "sorry" was profoundly significant. Bindjareb woman Karrie-Anne Kearing shared her emotional response, saying, "It's so significant that, you know, I'm still trying to process it." Dawson acknowledged the long-standing calls from Traditional Owners for the truth about the massacre to be recognized. He noted, "It's the right thing to do to tell the truth. It's long overdue." The governor's apology comes after years of advocacy from the Binjareb community, who have sought recognition of the massacre's true toll. While official records indicate about 20 deaths, many in the community believe the number is higher. In a symbolic gesture, Dawson presented the community with a propagated olive tree from the grounds of Government House, originally planted by Stirling in 1835. In return, the Traditional Owners gifted the governor a native tree to plant at Government House. Dawson expressed hope that this apology would pave the way for healing and reconciliation. "I have a deep hope and faith that a process of healing and growth will follow," he said. The ceremony was marked by mixed emotions, with attendees visibly moved as the governor delivered his apology. Some wiped away tears, while others reflected quietly on the significance of the moment. This historic apology is seen as a crucial step toward acknowledging the past and fostering a path toward meaningful reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.