One Mind, One Heart

Documentary | 1 x 80min

One Mind, One Heart uncovers the extraordinary story of the three landmark Yirrkala Bark petitions that sparked the flame towards recognition of Aboriginal rights. In August 1963, two bark petitions – traditional documents prepared and signed by Yolngu people – were sent to the Australian parliament and became the first documentary recognition of Indigenous people in Australian law. When a fourth bark petition is found in Derby, Western Australia in 2022, the community begin the ceremony of guiding its journey back to Yolngu Country. The repatriation provides the opportunity to track the long political campaign — through petition, song, dance, campaigning — to keep culture strong and to have a voice for country.

Developed with assistance from Screen Australia, Financed by Screen Australia First Nations Unit, AIFF, NITV, Screen NSW, Spectrum Entertainment, Shark Island Institute and DAF.

Writer / Director: Larissa Behrendt
Producer: Michaela Perske
Associate Producer & Historical Consultant: Clare Wright