03 Jun 2019
Grace McDonald, Year 10 Indigenous Leader, said the following speech at our National Reconciliation Week Ceremony:
"National Reconciliation week is celebrated each year from 27th of May to 3rd of June. Reconciliation involves building positive, respectful relationships between all Australians and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It helps to create a positive change and to help Australians learn about their shared histories, cultures and achievements.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have faced many challenges and inequality over the years. These things have prevented them from reaching their potential. Being able to reconcile will lead to respect and better relationships.
The significance of 27th of May to Aboriginal people reflects the 1967 referendum when more than 90% of Australians voted “yes” to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the census.
The significance of 3rd of June to Aboriginal people reflects the 1992 “native title” Mabo decision. It recognised that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had rights over their land and that the British did not take them over during Colonisation.
Reconciliation Week to all Aboriginal people is a time of celebration and the chance to build on positive and respectful relationships and connections between Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people. To me Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to come together, to learn and go forward as one."
