RESC Acknowledges National Sorry Day
Today is National Sorry Day. The Department of Education's Director General, Lisa Rodgers, reminds all schools and their communities that this is a time to acknowledge and understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
Riverside Education Support Centre joins in this acknowledgement and understanding - to become a reconciled and culturally responsive society, we too must look deeply within our own hearts to understand the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We use our empathy and compassion to understand the deep trauma and suffering the Stolen Generations and their families have endured. We celebrate their determination to speak of these things and remind us all it is our collective story as Australians to resolve and make right.
Lisa Rodgers draws our attention to the ‘Stolen Generations’ Testimonies’ project and encourages all of us to take some time to listen and recognise the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
She also recommends watching the live stream of the Sorry Day event to memorialise the 25th Anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report in Australian Federal Parliament in 1997. This will be streamed from the newly completed Stolen Generations Memorial within Moort-ak-Waadiny (Wellington Square) in East Perth. It will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, speakers and musical performances.
Alternatively, visit yokai.com.au to learn more about National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.
During National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), RESC students will have an opportunity to explore the practice of dot painting. The school is also collaborating with Riverside Primary School in the planning and development of an onsite bush tucker garden.