On the 13th of February ACS staff and Elders from the Aboriginal Elders Village walked proudly alongside community in solidarity with survivors of the Stolen Generation. Across the Birkenhead Bridge in Port Adelaide, people rallied together to raise awareness for the ongoing trauma of the Stolen Generation, to honour those who had faced hardship, and commemorate a meaningful date for Aboriginal people where injustices were at last acknowledged.
On the other side of the bridge lay a variety of stalls including a sausage sizzle complete with salads, chops and more. The speeches touched our hearts and reminded us how important it is to continue advocating for Elders and crucially, listening to them.
“Here on Kaurna country, we remember the Kaurna children, who were the first to be taken from their parents, their families and their communities, and placed at Pirltawardli. We honour the collective strength, the resilience, and the enduring spirit of our people.” – Susan Dixon, Speaker at Walk Of Awareness, and Member of SA Voice To Parliament for Kumangka Warrarna Wangkanthi.
Our team enjoyed the smoking ceremony and the live music that uplifted the spirits of those who came together on this significant day. It feels good to come together with many members of our community on a day where community connection is so important.
“For many families, that apology mattered deeply, it gave language to the harm that had been long denied. It allowed some wounds to be named, and for some healing to begin. But an apology on its own can not repair what was broken. The work of healing families, restoring connection, and breaking cycles did not end in 2008. It lives on in our homes and in our communities. The apology opened the door, walking through it together is the work that continues.” – Kahlia Gibson, State Aboriginal Heritage Committee Member and speaker at the event.
Thank you to all of the Elders we support who said hello to our team, and thank you to the wonderful organisers of this event!
Are you a client of ours looking for more chances for yarning and connection? Please register for our Social Program by calling Donna on (08) 8346 9155.
