Reconciliation Week
27th May to 3rd June and Sorry Day 26th May
A very dark era in Australian history was the assimilation policy. This Australian Government policy was intended to assimilate Indigenous Australians into white society. The Aboriginal way of life was considered not acceptable, and it was stated by many government ministers, “a race which will eventually die out”.
Sorry Day is a Remembrance Day to acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 26th May is National Sorry Day.
The forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children tore families apart. Caused undeniable trauma and sorrow. For many Stolen Generation this pain and sadness lasted a lifetime, as well as generational.
The 26th May is a reminder for all Australians to come together, acknowledge the hurt caused and share the steps towards healing.
27th May to 3rd June commemorate 2 significant dates. Before 1967 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were not counted as part of the Australian population. Australia voted to remove clauses in the constitution that discriminated against our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The date the constitution was changed to recognise Indigenous People as Australians, was the 27th May 1967.
On the 3rd June 1992 a decision was made by the High Court of Australia. After 10 long years the ‘Mabo Decision’ was finally handed down. A turning point for Indigenous Land Rights, resulting in Native Title. Eddie Koiki Mabo was a Traditional Custodian of Mer Island in the Torres Strait. Eddie Mabo paved the way for many clan groups and tribes to claim their traditional country and sacred sites.
Much change is needed for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people of Australia. It is not about guilt or shame but instead recognising Australia’s Black History, teaching it in our education curriculum, teaching our friends and extended families, listening to stories, whether sad or incredible, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Educate yourself by watching the many Australian Movies produced that depict Australian History, some horrific, and some, absolutely magical. So much literature has been written from genuine historians or people that lived closely with Aboriginal people. Be open to learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. And together we reconcile more radically.
Written by Rene Taylor – Aboriginal Education Support Worker
