National Reconciliation Week is a time for all of us learn more about our First Nations people and focus on ways in which we can all work collectively together towards reconciliation.
Celebrations at the Cathedral of St Stephen
The start of National Reconciliation Week was celebrated at the Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane by a Flag Raising Ceremony, which elevated the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside our state and national flags. It also marked 54 years since the 1967 Referendum in which 90% of the population voted yes to change the Constitution so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population, and the Commonwealth empowered to make laws for them.
Celebrations at the Star of the Sea Catholic Parish
The Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Cleveland celebrated a Midyim Berry Planting and Blessing this National Reconciliation Week.
“This celebration connects us to the Country and its people. This week of Reconciliation reminds us that we have work to do and roads to travel. Pentecost delivers the courage we need to be the face of Christ in our community. Reconciliation with the First Nation Peoples is our beginning.”
– Star of the Sea Catholic Parish
The Parish encourages us to come and visit the Midyim Berry under the bell tower at the front of the Church.
Celebrations at Our Lady of the Rosary Kindergarten
The children at Our Lady of the Rosary Kindergarten had a special visit from Uncle Bruce from MURRI TUKKA this National Reconciliation Week and learnt about bush tucker from the Yuggera people’s country.
They learnt where and how they grow some tucker and the medicinal benefits it. Uncle Bruce left some bush tucker plants for the children, and they are looking forward to building their own garden.
Celebrations at Centacare’s Alani Centre
Centacare’s Alani Centre celebrated with a range of guests including Uncle Robbie who performed a smoking ceremony, local artist Shara Delaney and Toni Janke, the Manager of Culture and Inclusion, who hosted a Black Trivia session. All that attended found the day to be enormously rewarding.
See our Reconciliation Action Plan here.