Released 25/07/2017
This morning ACT Government Ministers and officials are taking part in the Sorry Day Bridge Walk, as we remember the immense trauma caused by the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
National Sorry Day is held annually to commemorate the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Federal Parliament on 26 May 1997, 20 years ago today. The report captured the findings of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their families.
One of the Inquiry’s most confronting conclusions was that no Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander family had been left unaffected by the impact of policies of child removal and the trauma of the Stolen Generations.
The ACT Legislative Assembly was one of the first Australian parliaments to apologise to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the impact of such policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
The Bridge Walk across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge was organised by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and is the first event of National Reconciliation Week, running from 27 May – 3 June 2017.
National Sorry Day provides us all with a chance to come together in the spirit of healing and reconciliation, and I recognise and thank Winnunga Nimmityjah for organising today’s Bridge Walk.
Following the walk, many in the community will come together at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre on Lady Denman Drive to enjoy the cultural activities, food, clothing, artworks and more at the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Expo.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2017 is ‘Let’s take the next steps’.
The ACT Government is supporting several events during reconciliation week. The Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation will hold a community day on Saturday 27 May at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre at Yarramundi Reach to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.
On 3 June, the ACT Torres Strait Islander Corporation will welcome all Canberrans to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision. Activities will include traditional Torres Strait Islander dancers and performers, traditional craft for sale, and a range of children’s activities.
For more information about reconciliation week and upcoming events go to http://www.reconciliation.org.au.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases