Gaywambana! And thank you to Kim, my Wiradjuri daughter, for teaching me the word for welcome. If you wander over to my other page, you’ll see my beautiful girls and grandchildren. I’ve saved some lovely new books for this year’s Sorry Day/Reconciliation Week event, and I hope you will enjoy seeing them and getting my take on them. You might remember I also had a post a few weeks ago with a lot of resources and ideas for this year’s event, so do go check it out.
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.
Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.
Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent. [National Reconciliation Week, 2024]
During the 20th century Australia’s government agencies engaged in the forced removal and relocation of Aboriginal children – separating them not just from their families but also from country, kinship, and culture.
The trauma experienced by those we now know as the Stolen Generations is a stain from Australia’s past that persists into the present, burdening our people and communities with unfair outcomes across the entire spectrum of health and well-being.
On this day, May the 26th, we ask all Australians to reflect on what was done and dedicate themselves to the great task of reconciliation.
Today we stand sad, yet proud, to pay tribute to the enduring resilience of Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants. We grieve for their pain and bear witness to their strength.
Because–in spite of that which was done to them–they, and we, are still here. [Aboriginal Health Council, 2024]
Aboriginal poet Ali Cobby Eckermann wins Book of the Year at NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
Register your school, workplace, community group or team to hold a fundraiser that will directly support First Nations-led education, health, employment and wellbeing.
Taking part in Wear it Yellow is also an opportunity to celebrate First Nations culture and strength while learning about our shared histories.
National Reconciliation Week is from 27 May to 3 June 2024 but you can host your fundraiser at any time before 31 June.
www.auntywendysmob.com ~ songs celebrating Aboriginal children and families with accompanying picture books and Teacher Resource Books ~ all lyrics and text in the Resource Books were reviewed and are supported by: NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Sector Advisory Group; NSW Aboriginal Early Childhood Support Services Unit; Aboriginal Programs Unit at NSW Dept of Education and Training; Aboriginal Curriculum Unit at the Office of the Board of Studies; NSW Dept of Education and Training and NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
We are delighted to see ALNF Co-Chair, Professor Tom Calma AO, appointed to the Australian Universities Accord Implementation Advisory Committee, bringing his extensive knowledge, experience and insights to help shape a fairer education system for all Australians.
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