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Kaya and Welcome to National Reconciliation Week 2018
‘ Don't let History become a Mystery’
Sunday 3rd June, 3pm till 5.30pm, Margaret River Scout Hall, Margaret River.
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As an Elder & Traditional Custodian of the Pibulmun/Wadandi People in the South West of Western Australia, On behalf of the Undalup Association we would like to thank the Augusta Margaret River Shire for hosting this important event in partnership with the Undalup Association of the South West WA.
The Undalup Association Inc. would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Elders whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, the land we all walk and live on, here on Boodjar.
We Respect the presence of the ancestors (Demmala Goomala) who’s Spirits (Djanga) reside on country (Boodja) and walk their feet (djenna) on the land, their heart spirit (djanga korda) flow through all creation. We all come together for Country (Boodja).
The Noongar season of May is Djeran, a season of Adulthood, a time for sharing the Culture with others to promote and celebrate all acts of Reconciliation during National Reconciliation Week, (NRW).This year’s theme is ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery’ as we ask all Australians to be a part of the next big steps in our nation’s reconciliation journey, as the week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort. Reconciliation must live in all our hearts, minds and actions as we all move forward, creating a community strengthened by respectful relationships between the Aboriginal people, local Government and departments, Businesses and the local community, Schools and the non-indigenous peoples of the area.
NRW is an annual event which marks two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey. On 27th May, this will mark the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and defining event in our nation’s history. In 1967 the referendum saw 90% of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognize them in the national census.
The 3rd June—Commemorates the High Court of Australia’s landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land—a relationship that existed prior to colonisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title.
Our aim is to help reconnect the people spiritually, find their cultural roots, and increase the knowledge in the cultural that exists within the community today. A sense of cultural identity and connection helps preserve the culture and its practices, and by giving many the opportunities to participate in the cultural events being held during NRW, these will benefit everyone who attends.
The NRW event, like the Undalup Association is at the forefront of reconciliation. It does not exclude anyone but like our committee we use everyone’s, individuality and expertise to contribute by using their abilities and strengths in their selected fields. This year, we invite Australians to Learn, Share, and Grow – by exploring our past, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and developing a deeper understanding of our national story.
