Paulette Hayes will be giving a service entitled A Memorial for the Massacre at Myall Creek on Sunday, March 15, at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society on Main street in Vineyard Haven.

In their search for land, European settlers massacred thousands of Aboriginal people all over Australia. The massacre in 1838 at Myall Creek was significant for being the first when Europeans were tried and hanged for the murders. Ms. Hayes will tell how she garnered support from indigenous people and churches that led to a memorial, dedicated in 2000. The story has received major awards, and the site is on Australia’s Heritage list. A former journalist, photographer and teacher, now artist, Paulette lives with her husband in Vineyard Haven.