Who Do You Think You Are?: July 5

The subject this week on Who Do You Think You Are? is NRL legend, Justin Hodges.

On this episode of Who Do You Think You Are? legendary rugby league footballer, Justin Hodges is on a mission to learn more about his indigenous family history. On his mother’s side, Justin traces the story of his mysterious Great Grandmother, from profound dislocation to an astounding family legacy. Following his father’s family, Justin journeys to the Torres Strait Islands where he discovers a pioneering and heroic great uncle.

Growing up in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Justin had a close relationship with his maternal Grandmother, Shirley, yet has scarce knowledge of her family background. With the help of his mother, Cheryl, Justin begins his investigations in Yarrabah, a community near Cairns. Here he learns that his Great Grandmother, Dolly, was adopted by a white family named Smith, while her Aboriginal mother, Minnie, was sent away to the Yarrabah Mission. Justin is shocked to find out his own family is part of the Stolen Generations.

Justin learns that the traditional land of Dolly’s mother, Minnie, is Jirrbal country, near Herberton. On the banks of the Wild River, Justin meets with local elders and is astonished to discover that, as a descendent of Minnie, he is a Native Title holder to Jirbbal land. It’s a legacy Justin finds uplifting and rewarding. Walking on his newly discovered country stirs in Justin a spirituality he had never known existed.

7:30pm Tuesday on SBS.