National Reconciliation Week 2019
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The NRW theme in 2019 is Grounded in Truth
Walk Together with Courage. The following is an excerpt from the organisers of Reconciliation Week.
"At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds.
Today, 80 per cent of Australians believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.
Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage.
This National Reconciliation Week, we invite Australians from all backgrounds to contribute to our national movement towards a unified future.
We pray for our students and parishioners who are taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the moment. May they have the courage to live this Sacrament through action and word. May they reveal Jesus in many ways. May they be God's hands. This is our mission as a Catholic school.
As always, go gently about your week, look after one another and God bless,
Patrika
