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Hear some of what Reconciliation Action Plan launch speakers shared, including Wangan Jagalingou Elder The Rev’d Aunty Alex Gater, Saibai Elder Aunty Dr Rose Elu, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, Kabi Kabi Elder Aunty Professor Boni Robertson and Quandamooka Bundjalung Elder Aunty Sandra King
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“While starting to think about writing this article, the most wonderful thing happened. I was packing up my paperwork, as I am moving house, and to my surprise, I found a letter from the Secretary of the Queensland NAIDOC Week committee asking me to be a judge for the 1976 Miss NAIDOC competition,” says Quandamooka and Bundjalung Elder Aunty Sandra King OAM, while also telling us about continuing NAIDOC Week events planned for early September
“When I’m on the ferry or barge heading for Tjerrangerri, I can’t help but have tears streaming down my face. She’s a beautiful Country. Following my family’s forcible physical separation from her, I am still reconnecting with her and all the beauty she possesses,” says Sandra King OAM
“I am often asked to yarn with young school students – facilitating yarning is an important role of a First Nations educator…Everything I know is from yarning, listening and learning from my family and Elders,” says Aunty Sandra King OAM
“Given this history of Australia Day, it is surprising why so many are fiercely attached to the idea of 26 January being the date we celebrate ‘Australia Day’ together as a nation,” says Aunty Sandra King OAM
“The founder of NAIDOC Week, William Cooper, was a devout Christian and he asked Australian churches to start praying for Aboriginal peoples on what was originally known as ‘Aborigines Sunday’. Christians as a whole have played a significant role in the history of First Nations peoples and our future depends on us learning, working and walking together,” says ACSQ RAP Coordinator Sandra King OAM, who also tells us what NAIDOC Week events and activities are being held between Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 November
“My favourite NAIDOC Week memory is coordinating my first all-First Nations fashion parade in the Queen St Mall in 1988…My whole aim was to break down barriers in the arts, fashion, modelling and advertising industries,” says Quandamooka and Bundjalung woman Aunty Sandra King OAM
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