Echoing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council’s theme, ‘Sent forth in strength and hope,’ the week emphasises unity and reconciliation through mutual respect and deep listening to First Nations peoples.

“As we journey together, we must continue to heal from the past while also looking toward the future. We need to find effective ways to ensure the common good is shared by all people of this nation, especially our First Nations People,” said Chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Bishop Charles Gauci, as Australians marked National Reconciliation Week.

Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann trained in a Catholic mission school in her rural community near Darwin and went on to become the first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher in the Northern Territory.

Students and staff at Chisholm Catholic College celebrated Australia’s unique heritage with local art by current student, Shantaya Ryder, and mural art by Linda and Bruce Loo that represents both the college and Western Australia’s history and diversity.

The 2021 National Reconciliation week held from 27 May to 3 June themed ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action,’ saw Catholic schools and affiliated organisations play its part to work towards a better relationships and human rights between the first peoples of this nation and those who now call Australia home. By Amanda Murthy.