Last week we saw disturbing scenes on TV of Aboriginal activists clashing with political leaders on Australia Day. The scenes have created much discussion, and I sense that while people felt uneasy about what saw they also struggled to know to respond.
Since Baptistcare is seeking to implement policies on inclusion it is useful for us to have these discussions in a way that is constructive to everyone concerned, and helps us to think clearly about the issues.
With this in mind, I have been given permission to re-print the following letter from the CEO of Reconciliation Australia.
Reconciliation Australia understands and cannot ignore the level of frustration that exists in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We do not condone violence or aggression. Respect is core to what we believe in.
Our role is to ensure a focus on the positive stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, on the progress that is being made and on the promotion of working together in a constructive and respectful manner.
On Australia Day eve Reconciliation Australia hosted a breakfast for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Non-Indigenous Australian of the Year finalists. It was a wonderful event and a great opportunity to meet these inspirational people and to hear firsthand their stories. These figures are important for reconciliation. Not only do they inspire the nation but they inspire individuals.
This year’s Senior Australian of the Year winner, Laurie Baymarrwangga is an amazing women who has been doing incredible work for her people by preserving her culture and keeping it alive for future generations to share. It was very moving to watch her story being relayed at the Awards ceremony in her own language and being narrated by a fantastic emerging young leader, Karla McGrath.
On Australian Day I attended the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony. The formalities of the ceremony was a mark of how far we have come: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags being raised along with the Australian flag; Aunty Agnes Shea welcoming everyone to Ngunnawal country; Adam Gilchrist, the Prime Minister and the Governor General all paying their respects to the traditional owners and the First peoples of Australia. These acts of inclusiveness and recognition have been demonstrated throughout many Australia Day ceremonies. The inclusion of the “Welcome to Country” at all citizenship ceremonies is a key action from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s RAP.
These simple but important actions are testament to the progress that is being made and change that is happening, but we acknowledge that a lot more still needs to continue. We all know reconciliation is a big process and there is no single strand. The outcomes we are witnessing through our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) partners and their commitment to opportunities and actions that go to the heart of overcoming employment, education and health inequality are also signs of the change that is happening.
We thank you all for your role in facilitating and advancing this positive change. I hope that you continue to hold these positive images front and centre as you go about your important work.
Leah Armstrong
Chief Executive Officer
Reconciliation Australia
No comments:
Post a Comment