Walking together for reconciliation

NATIONAL Reconciliation Week will begin this Monday 27 May, with the theme of Now More than Ever.

The annual week is held to remind broader Australians of their responsibility to hear, see, respect and understand the experiences, stories and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as non-Indigenous communities work towards reconciliation with their First Nations neighbours.

Wadawurrung elder Aunty Gwen Perkins said the spirit of reconciliation is “walking together.”

“We are all Australians and putting us in categories doesn’t help with reconciliation,” she said.

“I grew up in a time when awful things were said, but no one recorded it and so no one knew. Now everyone has a camera and everything gets out there; it really spreads harm and hurt.

“I want everyone to approach each other with kindness and understanding; no matter where you were born or how long your people have been here.”

Wadawurrung woman and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation project officer, Shannen Mennen said Reconciliation Week is about unity and understanding.

“It’s a week in which all Australians can come together to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and experiences, and to find a path forward,” she said.

“Reconciliation is about everyone – no matter your cultural identity – coming together and looking toward a more inclusive future for all Australians.”

National Sorry Day, which acknowledges Australia’s Stolen Generations, honours their strength, and aims to be a day of healing, will lead into Reconciliation Week in 2024.

Ms Perkins said 26 May is always sombre.

“Sorry Day makes me feel very sad that these things happened, with people being taken away from their parents,” she said.

“But as a young person I had no idea these things happened; it’s horrible now to know that I was one that could have been taken.

“I wasn’t – I’m so lucky to have been brought up with my own family. There was no reason to take those children from their parents, it should never have happened.

“The date isn’t the thing I want people to remember. I don’t go by a date for something like that, it’s not something to celebrate.

“I want people to hold what happened in their hearts, so it never happens again.”

Ms Mennen said Sorry Day is an opportunity to reflect upon Australia’s history, and the strength and resilience of all Indigenous peoples, especially elders.

“It is important to also realise that while the Stolen Generations are often spoken of as past history, there are many living victims, and we are still feeling the impacts of past government policies today,” she said.

Ms Mennen said Reconciliation Week is a busy time for her community who will be taking part in many events across Wadawurrung Country.

“My wish is for everyone to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and to realise that it is a wonderful part of Australia’s culture and identity,” she said.

“If you can, take the time to attend a Reconciliation week event. Better yet, come and engage with us outside of Reconciliation Week.

“In Ballarat, we will be participating in the City of Ballarat’s annual Reconciliation Week Flag Raising and Morning tea, which will be held at the Ballarat Town Hall on the Monday the 27th of May from 10.30am,” she said.

“The event is open to the public and all members of the Ballarat community are invited to attend.

“Many of us will also be facilitating classes, workshops or ceremonies for different organisations and events throughout the region during the week. Please feel free to come over and say hello if you see us out and about.”

In Torquay, a month-long immersive exhibition called Journey on Wadawurrung Country will begin at Grant Pavilion on Tuesday 28 May.

Looking at Ballarat and the broader region’s efforts towards reconciliation, Ms Mennen said many businesses and groups are “paving the way” with their actions, but there’s room for improvement, including in education.

“Often people think of reconciliation action as being the responsibility of organisations or government, but individual action is just as important,” she said.

“It could be something as small as learning a little more about your local traditional custodians, having a conversation at home with your family, or attending a Reconciliation Week event and showing your support.

“Small actions build into widespread change across our community. I encourage everyone to take some time this Reconciliation Week to take one action.”

The week is driven by Reconciliation Australia and runs until Monday 3 June.