Country calling: Jan Harris’ reunion story
My name is Jan Harris and I am from Yarrabah. I was born on 28 April 1960 at Cairns Base Hospital to my mother, Nellie Fourmile, and my father, Edgar Harris.
My journey with Link-Up (Qld) began in 2020, when I became a client because I wanted to find out more about my grandmother, Lizzie Johnson. I had always wanted to know more about my grandmother and where she came from. I felt that learning about her story, where she was from and how she came to live in Yarrabah would help me emotionally and spiritually. It was something I had been longing to know for many years.
In 2025, I received the phone call I had been waiting for. My research had been completed. I received so much of the information I had been hoping for. I was very happy and emotional to learn more about my grandmother, where she was from, and about many other family members and their connections to different places.
Link-Up (Qld) presented me with a couple of options for my reunion, but in my heart I already knew where I wanted to go. I wanted to travel to my grandmother Lizzie’s Country in Wujal Wujal, Queensland.
After some delays because of the weather, the day finally came. I travelled from Yarrabah to Wujal Wujal with my brother, Arthur Harris, and Link-Up (Qld) staff members Jack Webster and Gilberto Roque.
On the first day, we travelled by car to Cooktown, where we met Link-Up (Qld) staff member Joshua Thompson. During the drive, I didn’t realise just how far we had to travel, but I knew it would all be worth it.
That evening, we sat down together for dinner and talked about the journey ahead. After a good night’s sleep, we were ready to continue our trip to Wujal Wujal.
The drive was beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the scenery along the way. As we travelled, I knew I was getting closer to my grandmother’s home.
“When we finally arrived in Wujal Wujal, I felt overwhelmed and relieved. I had finally made it to my grandmother’s Country – something I never thought I would be able to do.” – Stolen Generations descendant, Jan Harris
I felt my grandmother would have been very happy to see Arthur and me on her Country. I was especially grateful that I could share such a special moment with my brother.
While we were in Wujal Wujal, we visited the community where I met a family member who encouraged me to come back and visit again. We also visited Wujal Wujal Falls. It was incredible to see, and I could understand why it is such a special place for the people of the community. Being there gave me a sense of peace.
I am very grateful to the Link-Up (Qld) staff for everything they have done for me throughout my journey. I told Jack how happy the journey had made me. Being able to stop along the way, take photographs and create new memories was very special to me. It was something I had not done for many years.
When it was time to leave Wujal Wujal and travel back to Cooktown, I felt satisfied and blessed. I was grateful that I had been given the opportunity to return to my grandmother’s Country and connect with a part of my family story that I had carried questions about for so many years.
I will be forever grateful for my journey with Link-Up (Qld). I was able to share memories, stories and many laughs with the people who supported me along the way. They have been there for me from the day I began my journey, and they continue to support me even after my reunion.
Returning to my grandmother’s Country was more than a journey to a place. It was a journey of connection and healing and it is something I will always carry with me.
Jan Harris
Published October 2026.
Watch: Jan Harris reflects on her Link-Up (Qld) reunion