Reconciliation Week in Wyndham kicked off on Monday with a smoking ceremony, flag raising, and cultural activities held in Werribee.
The celebration to mark the beginning of the week from May 27 to June 3, took place outside the Wyndham Civic Centre with a Welcome to Country, Yidiki performance, guest speakers and songs from First Nations artist Kutcha Edwards and his band, also featuring.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said the coming week was an important one for both Indigenous peoples and the broader community.
“The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, ‘Now More Than Ever’, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue,” Cr Barrera said.
“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”
The beginning of Reconciliation Week came a day after National Sorry Day on Sunday, May 26, which acknowledged the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities and are now known as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
Reconciliation Week events return to Wyndham Civic Centre on Wednesday, May 29 with a First Nations Art Tour showcasing Indigenous artworks installed throughout Bunurong and Waddawurrung land.
On Saturday, June 1 a Reconciliation Day tree planting will be held at Baden Powell Reserve in Tarneit, with the public invited to come along and help plant 2500 trees and 2225 grasses
In the spirit of reconciliation.
Rhyme time and story time sessions sharing stories by First Nations creators will be held at Wyndham libraries throughout the week.
Deatils: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/national-reconciliation-week
