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Catholic
Education Office Working Paper 1999
Reconciliation: A New Partnership with Indigenous
People of Australia
In November 1998 the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC)
launched a statement entitled Educating for Justice, Truth and
Reconciliation: A New Partnership with Indigenous Peoples of Australia.
The Commission articulated a vision for Reconciliation with Indigenous
peoples of Australia.
We call upon the Church-
her people, her leaders and her children, to listen with new ears,
to see with new eyes, what always was and what always will be -
to be awakened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders lifeways,
cultures and spiritualities.
Within this vision certain challenges for education in furthering
Reconciliation were outlined. These included:
- Communication strategies
based on mutual respect and negotiation
- Improving relationships
to develop trust between cultural groups
- Countering racism and
liberating people from ignorance and prejudice to promote relationships
in harmony with Gospel values
- Addressing disadvantage
- Looking to a deeper
understanding of our shared history
- Reading the signs of
the times and discerning local community action
- Restoring relationships
and seeking forgiveness were necessary
In summary the NCEC statement posits:
Reconciliation is about
building a new relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians and the wider community, one that heals the
pain of the past and ensures we all share fairly and equally in
our national citizenship.
Similarly the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation has a vision
for:
A united Australia which
respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all.
In January 2001 the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation will cease
its work. Corroboree 2000 held in Sydney on 27-28 May 2000 gave renewed
impetus to the Reconciliation process as a peoples movement.
Reconciliation, It' s up to us will be the call of the Council
when it ceases. Communities across Australia will then be charged
with the ongoing work of achieving Reconciliation.
The Catholic Education Office Melbourne, wishes to contribute Yarra
Healing to the Reconciliation process.
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