26 May 2022
Today is Sorry Day. National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as 'The Stolen Generations.' National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our nation.
To commemorate the occasion, which falls in the middle of Reconciliation week, Murrumbidgee Regional High School students attended the Aboriginal flag-raising ceremony at the Aboriginal Medical Service. There, Piper Stewart performed an Acknowledgement of Country, Mekhi Simpson and Brieanah Harris read poetry, and Hannah Mitchell and Ruby Brown read responses they penned in English to Kevin Rudd's apology.
The school has also been a hive of activity for Reconciliation Week (which occurs annually between 27 May and 3 June). Classes have adapted their curriculum for the occasion. Students have been creating posters and researching the significance of the Freedom Rides, Eddie Mabo and Native Title, and the successful 1967 referendum.
Our school was treated by a visit from Steve Collins from the Aboriginal Medical Service. Mr Collins is a Bringing Them Home Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker. Steve spoke about the Stolen Generation and its lasting effects on the Indigenous community.
There are some big things to come next week for the second half of Reconciliation Week, including an interview with Kirsten Banks, a famous Indigenous astrophysicist, and a performance from our Murrumbidya dance troupe. More to come.
