Armed only with a sign that read ‘I trust you, do you trust me? Lets hug’, a blindfold and open arms, a University of Western Australia student invited thousands of beach-goers to share a hug.
What happened next was simply heart-warming.
The vulnerable teen got her first hug from a woman who assuredly uttered the words “I trust you, I trust you, I trust you.”
After numerous hugs, well wishes and moving words, the video ends with the most sobering of statistics.
“In 2012, 13% of all Australian’s said they trusted Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders”.
The blind social experiment, created by Perth based artist Peter Sharpe, along with Indigenous youth charity ICEA, is gaining traction online.
It prompts discourse over how Ingenious Australians are perceived within the community.
Jasirah spoke to The Weekly about her experience.
“I was so nervous and the first 5 minutes of standing there went forever, the whole thing was really emotional.”
The 17 year-old, Marine Science student hopes the video will go viral so it can inspire people to talk about the importance of reconciliation.
“There needs to be change, trust and people need to stop judging.”
Miss Hitam attributed her many successes and passion for indigenous affairs to her involvement with the Western Australian charity ICEA.
“They’ve supported me in getting into uni, while being able to keep a connection to my country, family and togetherness.”
Watch the video here.
