Chaplain's Corner

We danced for reconciliation 

Last week was National Reconciliation Week – and thus on Friday, Mr McBride and I took 15 students to the Reconciliation Walk at Langley Park, here in the city. 

The crowd attendance was just amazing—such a huge gathering despite the threat of heavy rain and imminent storms. As providence usually does, there was no rain that afternoon! It turned out to be a lovely day with the sky filled with the sweet and delicate aromas from the smoking ceremony. 

The theme for NRW 2024 was “Now More Than Ever!”. I guess the backdrop of this theme was the Voice to Parliament referendum last year and the acknowledgement that we must continue to fight for justice and for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

This year St George’s representatives made our presence felt. I was brave enough to go into the circle and join our indigenous brothers and sisters in dance. Our students, seeing their School Chaplain do that, overcame shyness and joined in too. People of all colours danced for reconciliation. We danced in celebration of the indigenous rich cultural heritage and knowledge that is embedded in this land where our school is built. 

One of the indigenous elders said: “After what happened last year, we thought we were alone - that no one cared for us. But today we have seen that we have many allies, many of you care for us.” 

I am so proud that this term when our school theme is RESPECT for others, we have participated in the Reconciliation Walk as a way of showing our respect for indigenous peoples and their cultures. We stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters. 

Fr Gift Makwasha 

School Chaplain