Published: Friday, 31 May 2019 at 4:17:43 PM
For Mid West Ports Authority BHF Operator Ashley Walker, Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for Indigenous people to find their voice.
“The only way anyone can reconcile any situation is by education, and for me it’s important to take the opportunity to learn about and share in our history,” Mr Walker said.
“We don’t often get a chance to take stock of the past so we can look to our future.”
Monday marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, celebrated in Australia between 27 May and 3 June.
The dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australian history - the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum which allowed Aboriginal people to be counted in the census and the High Court Mabo decision.
Along with remembering history, National Reconciliation Week also focuses on a different theme every year. This year, it's truth-telling.
For Mr Walker, who’s grandma and mum were part of the stolen generation, it was an important message.
“There isn’t any point trying to hide history, but it is important that we use it to move forward,” he said.
“I see it as a chance for us to find our voices and teach others about our culture and our own truth.
“That’s what I do with my own children - teach them their history and pass down my values.
“It’s the biggest part of any of this, what we’re teaching the next generation.”
Several events have taken place across Geraldton, with MWPA hosting a Barbecue lunch for staff to acknowledge Reconciliation Week.
For more information on National Reconciliation Week, click here.
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