National Reconciliation Week is held every year from 27 May (anniversary of the 1967 Referendum) to 3 June (Mabo Day).
At Concordia, we believe in the right of every individual to be treated with respect, to truly feel that they are valued, and to have their cultural heritage and beliefs honoured by others. In recent weeks, all students across the College engaged in learning experiences that supported their understanding of racism and the painful impact this has on so many people. This focus will continue next term, as together we explore what it means to be anti-racist and how to speak up for others.
In our nation, rich with cultural diversity, Concordia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. We respect their cultural heritage and the enduring importance of language, culture and Country. Students and staff continue to learn about the truth of Australia鈥檚 colonial history, recognising past wrongs and working with empathy and hope towards a more reconciled and equitable country.
At last Friday鈥檚 'All In'聽National Reconciliation Week assembly, students from each campus shared what they have been learning about reconciliation in Australia. It was great to see all ages joining in to learn the Kaurna language version of Heads and Shoulders, before the Rock Band and cross-campus choir thrilled us with their performance of Midnight Oil鈥檚 Beds Are Burning聽as part of Reconciliation Australia鈥檚 Voices For Reconciliation initiative.
St John鈥檚 Campus students were also treated to a visit from Adelaide聽Crows Indigenous AFL聽players Izak Rankine and Callum Ah Chee this week, who shared about the importance of their culture, families and what reconciliation means to them.
Together, we strive to build a community that honours truth, values diversity and actively contributes to reconciliation in Australia.
Nancy Wells
Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator
