The region’s National Reconciliation Week commemorations began last weekend in Proserpine.
With the theme of ‘be a voice for generations’, Whitsunday Regional Council have held three workshops across the region, to promote the importance of listening, taking action, and speaking up, in order to create a brighter future.
National Reconciliation Week takes place every year between May 27 and June 3, encompassing two significant dates in Australian history – the 1967 referendum, which changed the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the population of Australia, and the 1992 Mabo Decision, which acknowledged Traditional Owner’s right and connection to land.
At the first of three council-run workshops, held at Proserpine Library, Councillor Clay Bauman presented the welcome speech, with Auntie Sue West giving the welcome to country and Uncle Harold completing a smoking ceremony.
A Traditional Knowledge Workshop, hosted by Robert Congoo from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, followed.
Mr Congoo shared knowledge about the rich culture, traditions, and history of the Giya and Ngaro people.
The second workshop was held in Bowen Library on Tuesday and was dedicated to Artifact Display, and the third was in Cannonvale Library on Thursday about Plant Identification and Storytelling.
Within each library, there is also a Sea of Hearts display, for families and children to decorate a heart and depict what reconciliation means to them.
A smoking ceremony marked the first National Reconciliation Week commemoration
The Sea of Hearts display for members of the community to display what reconciliation means to them
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