First Nations News

In the spirit of reconciliation and cultural appreciation, Aitken College recently marked two significant observances: National Apology Day and International Mother Language Day. These events provided an opportunity for our school community to reflect on the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and celebrating linguistic diversity.

On February 13th, 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made an apology in the House of Representatives to Australia's First Nations peoples that specifically addressed the heartbreaking impacts of past laws and policies on members of the Stolen Generations. Homerooms were invited to view the former Prime Minister’s speech and listen to Archie Roach’s classic song ‘Took the Children Away’.

February 21st marked International Mother Language Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating all languages. Indigenous Australian languages, deeply intertwined with cultural identity and heritage, play a pivotal role in fostering connections between generations and preserving traditional knowledge. As Aitken College is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, students and staff were provided a list of common Woi Wurrung words and phrases to add to their linguistic repertoire.