Reconciliation Action Plan News
Mrs Bridget Jenkins
Relationships with Community – Build Relationships with Community
Members of the Stolen Generations and their families continue to be affected by the trauma caused by forced removal. For many people, this trauma has had lasting impacts. It is important to acknowledge that healing is an ongoing journey.
Last Tuesday April 5 marked 25 years since the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission delivered the Bringing them Home Report which was then tabled in the Australian Parliament on Sorry Day, May 26 1997. This important document was compiled from the stories, research and testimonies gathered during the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families. The report includes 54 recommendations are intended to support healing for the Stolen Generations and their families and challenge all of us to acknowledge that the suffering caused by separation policies is still impacting families, grandparents, parents, children and their communities today.
We understand that true reconciliation can only be possible by first acknowledging the harm that has been done to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and recognising the intergenerational trauma that has resulted and continues to exist for many of our families. For this, we are truly sorry. (St Virgil’s College Reconciliation Action Plan 2020)
Our Reconciliation Action Plan describes this collective responsibility; how each of us has an important role to play in supporting this healing process and working to make meaningful change. Our Learning Enrichment and Welfare teams have been working closely with Karadi Aboriginal Corporation to provide extra counselling and health support for Aboriginal students and their families. Many of our students have also undertaken the Deadly Choices Healthy Lifestyle Programme which finishes tomorrow with a grand finale involving a healthy lunch, special guests from AFL and NRL teams, prizes and commendations and a combined touch football match. The boys will also receive their Deadly Choices T-shirt and be invited to access Karadi for ongoing support and health checks. We sincerely thank Hollie, Sam and Joel from Karadi for their support and company throughout this year.
Click here to find out more about the Bringing Them Home Report.