The Wergaia/Wamba Wamba elder will head the five people who will run the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.
Dr Wayne Atkinson, Ms Sue-Anne Hunter, Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter and Professor Kevin Bell QC were also announced as commissioners.
The inquiry will look at historic and ongoing injustices and is named after the Wemba Wemba-Wamba Wamba word for truth .
The inquiry will be independent of government and have the powers of a royal commission.
It will recommend reforms and will help guide the state s treaty negotiations with communities. I feel, for this century, this was a logical step for us, Prof Bourke said at Friday s announcement.