National Reconciliation Week is held between the 27th of May and the 3rd of June and aims to foster mutual respect and wellbeing between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Maroondah celebrates Reconciliation Week through an official launch, which was held today to acknowledge National Sorry Day on the 26th of May. National Sorry Day was formed in 1998 and in recognition of the Bringing Them Home Report and to acknowledge past injustices towards indigenous Australians so as to begin the process of reconciliation
Maroondah released its Reconciliation Policy in 2009 and released its Community Wellbeing Plan earlier this year. Both plans strengthen Maroondah’s approach towards reconciliation through education and strengthening wellbeing within our community.
To reaffirm Council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation I had the pleasure of announcing the acquisition of the painting Tali by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken. The artwork depicts the story of the sandhill country around Watarru, the country of Ray’s grandmother. The artwork will be on display until the 30th of July in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate.
A series of events will be provided in recognition of reconciliation week, including cultural awareness training, documentaries and workshops. For further details please visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au/ReconWeek.htm
The speech delivered at the launch of Reconciliation Week 2010 is available within this post:
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