From 27th May to 3rd June we celebrate National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme is “ More than a word. Reconciliation takes action”. When students were asked what Reconciliation meant to them, their responses were: forgiveness, making amends, understanding, respect, apologising, working together and moving forward. Reconciliation is a journey for ALL Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation.
This year students at Edmund Rice reflected on how we can embody this year’s theme and move forward as a nation. Collectively the SRC representatives headed by Michael Piela and Balunn Simon developed an online petition calling on the Government to listen to the voices of Aboriginal people. The petition highlighted the Uluru Statement from the Heart, as well as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples urging the Government to make Australia a nation where the rights of Aboriginal people are endorsed and upheld. You can view the video created by students and sign the petition by clicking this link.
Additionally, there are a number of events, both online and in the community that you can be a part of this Reconciliation Week:
- Bellambi Public School Virtual Walk for Reconciliation Friday 28th May
- Virtual Indigenous Film Festival 27th – 31st May.
- Reconciliation Takes Action Panel Discussion Monday 31st May.
- Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group Reconciliation Lunch Friday 4th June
We have a long way to go, true reconciliation involves everyone. It means we will have to acknowledge the truths, and not just listen to Aboriginal voices, but take action on the recommendations by Aboriginal people in order to move forward as a nation.
Ms Neal
Aboriginal Education Officer
