Inspire

Last Friday the 26th of May, heralded the beginning of Reconciliation Week 2023, with National Sorry Day. Reconciliation in Australia focuses on strengthening the relationship between First Nations people and the wider Australian community. It involves an acknowledgement and understanding of our shared histories.

National Sorry Day is a day of remembrance that is commemorated every year leading into Reconciliation Week. On National Sorry Day, we reflect on the mistreatment of First Nations peoples and, in particular, those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples known as the ‘Stolen Generations.’ It is a significant day because the national apology recognises the truth of our history.

Working in a school setting, we are constantly hearing the word “sorry” thrown around by our children, and amongst ourselves as colleagues and friends. Sorry for the little things and sorry for the big things. Sometimes it can be very easy saying sorry to a friend, or for something insignificant such as a knocked over chair or a bump on the footy field. But quite often, saying the words “I am sorry” can be paralysing and hard to do. 

As a school we will spend time reflecting on the significance of this day, and the milestone events that make up Reconciliation Week. As Christians we continue to follow in Jesus’s footsteps to love one another and to seek out forgiveness for our sins. 

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, extending an invitation to us all to consider how we can be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways with our families, friends, communities and networks. This week we invite you to think about how you can be a voice for others, to role model apologising and restoring relationships, to see value in everyone and to celebrate difference. A sincere apology for wrong done can go a very long way to the on-going healing and reconciliation.

Matthew 3: 8 says "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance" – As a nation, not only do we say sorry to the First Nations people for the wrong doings of the past but we make an earnest effort to take action now to change the future. 

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/

Submitted by Emma Brokate