Reconciliation at the heart of positive relationships
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 4, 31 May 2019, page no. 24
At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds.
Today, 80 per cent of Australians believe it is important to undertake formal truth-telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.
Reconciliation Australia says: “Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage.”
One of the ways the QTU is supporting members to engage is through Queensland Education Support and Training initiative QuEST. The QTU’s new professional development arm is offering BlackCard cultural capability training. The four, full-day programs were booked out and the feedback has been excellent. More full day programs will be offered later in the year.
Then there is National Reconciliation Week, 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 dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Gandu Jarjum is the QTU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander committee, with representation of 15 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander activists from across the state. The Committee has full-day meetings, four times year. All QTU members can sign up to the QTU’s Aboriginal and Torres Islander Network, which the Union uses as a way of connecting with members.
Gandu Jarjum continues to play a crucial role in supporting and guiding the QTU on its reconciliation journey. The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party works with Gandu Jarjum and Executive to shape our next RAP. The QTU has submitted a draft Innovate RAP to Reconciliation Australia for feedback and further engagement. The QTU presently has its Reflect RAP in place and is committed to progressing to the Innovate RAP to capture what we are doing and what we commit to doing.