First Nations Network
It was windy as we walked to the beach, and we could see gathering storm clouds, patches of blue sky here and there, and the power of the waves is a constant.
“I love being near the beach” my walking companion said to me.
And in our silence, we observed and listened… and forgot about how the wind made us feel. After a while we stood together, in spiritual silence, and we focussed on placing ourselves in a space of connection, optimism and welcome. The sea and the beach did not know who we were nor what we wanted or why we were there. We acknowledged the welcome of the elements – the elements which had blessed and nurtured the land and provided for Bunurong peoples for millennia. It’s a startling space to be in when one’s years had used these elements for fun and relaxation without due regard for their bounty. The acknowledgement of country was a sacred expression of connection.
The return from the beach was a walk of enrichment as we talked together about the effect that the Acknowledgement to Country had on us today. “It’s an important part of Reconciliation” Vicki said.
The Kildare Ministries First Nations Meeting focused on the follow up from the inaugural meeting held in 2024, and that was a consequence of strong suggestions for a First Nations Network which came from the 10-year anniversary Conference of all our Ministries and their staff.
Thank you to Principals for releasing their staff to attend this meeting. Discussions focused on recent controversy about Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. We were all upset by that disruption. I quote from the Trustees Statement before the Voice Referendum “The oldest continuous culture in the world is to be celebrated as a gift. First Nations people are our only way of truly knowing who we are as Australians on this land.” Today’s discussions certainly strengthened our commitment to that idea.
Using the model of the Living Justice Living Peace charter, the three strands of Living with Compassion, Leading with Courage and Learning with Wonder provided the framework for the shape of the day.
Schools are reviewing their teaching and learning, their curriculum, and the history of the local area and First Nations people whose land they are on. Professional development will be an important element of this. We are called to be change agents for the future, and each person is an agent of change – let’s be courageous!
“The Trustees of Kildare Ministries are steadfast and consistent with their commitment to inclusive and empowered communities…” For First Nations students, staff and families, this means we need to build a culturally safe environment. It takes effort, commitment and respect – and we all agreed to go back to that point and conduct an ‘audit’ and identify where we need to improve.
Shared resources and ideas are a rich learning space of learning for us all. The energy of sharing what’s happening in our schools was palpable. That energy will flow like streams connecting the schools, bringing life to all as we move forward in a post-referendum environment.
We all agreed there is much to do, and do not feel daunted by that, recognising that we are, as Oscar Romero said, workers in the vineyards of each of our schools.
We are very grateful to Jane Collopy, Kildare Ministries Mission Leader, and Nicole Mangelsdorf, (Acting) Executive Director, who designed and accompanied us through the agenda. Their great work ensured the day was very successful.
We also extended a very warm welcome to Aunty Vicki Walker from Echuca. Her wisdom and advice were a gift to us all. Thank you, Vicki, for being with us, and we will be guided your statement - “Nothing About Us Without Us”.
The wind was still blowing at the conclusion of the program, and it started raining, but we left the meeting with full hearts having discerned together, some clarity about the road ahead. It is head and heart business…. it’s mission.
Rosemary Copeland
Co-Chair of the Trustees