This week is an important week in Australia’s history. It is known as National Reconciliation Week and it marks the anniversary of two important events in our history.
Every year, Reconciliation Week begins on the 27 May, because 58 years ago, in 1967 the Australian Government held a referendum that was an important turning point in Australian history. The referendum changed the Australian Constitution to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and give the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation Week ends on 3 June because 33 year ago today, in 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised that a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Mabo, held ownership of Mer (Murray Island).In acknowledging the traditional rights of the Meriam people to their land, the court also held that native title existed for all Indigenous people.
Yesterday, our school was lucky to welcome Aunty Judi Farr from Darumbal Youth to speak to our school about her family and culture. We all enjoyed hearing her stories and looking closely at some artefacts which she brought along to share. Aunty Judy invited all of our families to come along to the Dreamtime Centre on Saturday night to share in some Reconciliation Week celebrations- see flyer below.