Wagga Wagga City Council is inviting our community to attend the commemoration of the 16th anniversary of National Apology Day, to hear from local First Nations Elders and young people on their understanding of the day and what it means to the First Nations community.
Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander said the event, which will be held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre on Tuesday 13 February at 10am, has been informed by community and will start outside the theatre on the grass area in front of the Wollundry Lagoon.
“Aunty Cheryl Penrith will commence proceedings with a Welcome to Country followed by Uncle Hewitt Whyman conducting a minute of silence and reciting the official Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd,” Michaella Alexander said.
“The reciting of the speech during event proceedings serves as a reminder of the importance of the National Apology for the forcible removal of First Nations children from their families and for the profound trauma and power of an apology.”
Luke Wighton will be facilitating a smoking ceremony before a traditional dance performed by a local First National Youth Dance Group before moving inside the Civic Theatre.
Council has been working closely with Christine Harris from the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to ensure that First Nations students from our local schools participate in the event.
“Community will then be invited inside the Civic Theatre to hear poems and reflections by primary and high school students,” Michaella Alexander said.
At the end of the proceedings, everyone is invited to stay for a free BBQ by the Wollundry Lagoon.
Council is committed to reconciliation and by commemorating National Apology Day, we can all work together toward a future where past wrongs are acknowledged and meaningful change is implemented.
