What have been your biggest challenges so far pursuing your passion?
Within that togetherness, whether it’s an acceptance of an idea, a change in governance structures to incorporate more voices, settling a dispute within a family or community or a renewed reflection on history, at its very core, reconciliation is based on relationships.
It is formed through interconnections and reconciliation is never a lone ranger. When we negotiate and challenge and step forward and bring others with us we are demonstrating and practicing reconciliation.
There are so many moments along my journey, and so many people, all who deserve acknowledgement and appreciation. And whilst there’s big moments and grander gestures, I believe those are as equal to something private achieved in the closeness of family and communities to move together to the next space.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Sometimes we can make the mistake that an isolated event like the national apology or recognition in our national constitution is the end game – these grand gestures are necessary, in fact they are vital to opening an honest national dialogue.
To be open to and have the platforms – whether it’s a public forum or family home - to shed truth on our shared history or to continue a dialogue that can accept errors of the past, we must acknowledge that they’re just a beginning to embark on a reconciling pathway.
Reconciliation is truly transformative when it transcends the grands gestures, when it hits the ground and is experienced in everyday moments, where stories and insights are shared across cultures. When it occurs simultaneously in public and private that’s when reconciliation is powerful and penetrating.
What advice would you give to other leaders out there?
With the work I’m engaged with through Marnin and this movement led by women of the valley it has taught me the challenges of reconciliation. It is not easy, reconciliation by necessity forces you to talk and engage with people that do not share your understanding of the world, many fiercely oppose what we’re doing such as alcohol restrictions and are locked firmly in the present.
The women I work with and those before me understood collective harm, the context of trauma, when we understand this we know all societal harms can be overcome with the right support and with opportunities we can heal.
Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre (Including the Marulu Unit)
Lot 284 Balanijangarri Road
PO Box 43
Fitzroy Crossing
Western Australia, 6765
Phone: (011 61 8) 08 9191 5284
Email: [email protected]