Let's Talk Recognition for National Reconciliation Week
Media Release 26 May 2011
Download a copy of the Let's Talk Recognition for National Reconciliation Week media release
On the eve of National Reconciliation Week, Reconciliation Australia today observed National Sorry Day—a day which reminds all Australians that the healing process with the First Australians is still ongoing and is part of the unfinished business of reconciliation.
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Leah Armstrong said that National Sorry Day was significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples because of their historic mistreatment over many years.
‘On National Sorry Day we acknowledge that distressing things happened in the past and understand that members of the Stolen Generations still feel the effects today including ongoing continuing pain and sorrow,’ Ms Armstrong said.
‘But it’s also a day to admire the amazing resilience of those who suffered over the years. To quote that great Aboriginal Australian, Charlie Perkins, “We cannot live in the past, but the past is always with us’’, and so it should be.
‘While today is about recognising the Stolen Generations and all that they endured, National Reconciliation Week, starting tomorrow, is about the recognition of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their achievements.
This year’s theme, ‘Let’s talk recognition’ is also timely give the possibility of a change to the Australian Constitution to formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s a proposal we will hear more about in the next 18 months and deserves reasoned and honest consideration, whatever your point of view.
‘For many, the Apology three years ago struck an emotional chord, giving the reconciliation process considerable momentum. Acknowledgement of the First Australians in our nation’s founding document could well have a similar effect,’ Ms Armstrong said.
Appropriately legendary balladeer Dr Jimmy Little AO is the face of National Reconciliation Week 2011. With six decades in the music industry and a swag of national awards, Uncle Jimmy is eminently recognisable and a national living treasure. And all the while his commitment to reconciliation has been unwavering.
Reconciliation Australia encourages everyone to attend at least one of the many hundreds of NRW events being held all around the country and to talk about lasting recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/NRW-2011 for more information about National Reconciliation Week.
Media Contact: Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 or kylie.kluger@reconciliation.org.au
