Narrabri Shire Council Aboriginal liason officer Sharlee Bruce explained the elements around Reconciliation in her introduction at Thursday’s meeting.
“Today, we celebrate reconciliation, an important occasion for reflecting on our shared history, recognising past injustices, and committing to a future based on mutual respect and understanding,” Ms Bruce said.
“Reconciliation should not be confined to a single day or week but should be a continuous, year-round endeavour, not a destination but a journey.
“By embedding the principles of reconciliation into our daily lives, we create a culture that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and acknowledges the unique contributions of all community members.
“By committing to year-round reconciliation, we ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
Year-round reconciliation also helps remove barriers that have historically marginalised Indigenous communities. It means working constantly to fix inequalities in education, health, and employment.
“Reconciliation means learning about Indigenous cultures, histories, and current issues. We must also confront uncomfortable truths and engage in open, honest dialogues about our past – acknowledging the impacts of colonisation and other injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
“Celebrating reconciliation all year long requires each of us to take responsibility.
“ We need to learn, unlearn, and relearn. We need to show up, listen, and take action.
“It means supporting policies that promote fairness and challenging stereotypes and prejudices in our daily lives. The true essence of reconciliation lies in our daily actions and commitments.”
To order photos from this page click here
