FEATURES
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK : REFLECTION AND EXPLORATION
TWO INDIGENOUS STUDENTS INTERVIEWED DURING ASSEMBLY
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples , Australia ’ s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession , violence and ongoing racism . National Reconciliation Week ( NRW ) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories , cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation . A reconciled Australia would see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have the same life quality , chances and choices as non-Indigenous children .
At a Memorial Hall Assembly during NRW , two of our Indigenous students , Dion Whitfield and Noah McCaig , both of Year 12 , shared a conversation with me . I asked
DION WHITFIELD ( LEFT ) AND
NOAH MCCAIG
the boys about where they are from , and highlighted , in our very multicultural society , how lucky we are to engage with the oldest living continuous culture in the world , that of Indigenous Australians . The significance of the land on which our School is now built was discussed , as well as the importance of Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country .
NICK CLARK – SENIOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST & TEACHER IN-CHARGE OF THE INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
‘ BE BRAVE , MAKE CHANGE AND TAKE MEANINGFUL STEPS ’
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between us as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non- Indigenous peoples , for the benefit of all Australians .
In 2022 , the theme for National Reconciliation Week ( 27 May-3 June ) was ‘ Be Brave . Make Change ’ – a challenge to all of us to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for all .
Having said that , what can we do as individuals and members of the Scotch community to create a more just , equitable and reconciled Australia ?
Know that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation , and in playing our part , we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples , histories , cultures , and futures .
It is clear that we have to listen to and give a voice to Aboriginal people . This includes upholding the ancient customs , traditions and ways of life that have ensured Aboriginal peoples ’ survival on this continent for over 60,000 years .
For example , the Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for everyone to show respect for traditional owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to country – it establishes a respectful relationship , which is the first step towards reconciliation .
Moreover , there are also sustainable land use practices that we can all benefit from . Australia ’ s Indigenous community cared for country by using land management that worked with the environment . When Europeans arrived , they brought farming practices suited to an environment very different to Australia , that in the long term caused erosion and salinity .
Nowadays there is growing adoption of these practices to repair the damage done by European farming . One such example is the use of traditional Aboriginal fire management , where selecting what areas to burn , when , and how often , is part of Indigenous knowledge of the land – something that has ensured the survival of Aboriginal people on this continent for over 60,000 years .
So we invite you to Be Brave , Make Change and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation for our community .
NOAH MCCAIG AND DION WHITFIELD – BOTH YEAR 12
14 Great Scot Issue 166 – September 2022