YOUNG and old bonded over the importance of reconciliation on Thursday morning at Pius X, as students performed songs in the Gamilaraay language to celebrate Sorry Day. A wide cross section of the community showed their support, at the morning tea, which included various guest speakers and a flag raising.
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“Its awesome for me,” Marion Nelio said.
“I'm a 64 year old Aboriginal woman and I don't know my own language. For the kids to go up and do that, it's wonderful.”
Marion was touched to see local students having the opportunity to learn Indigenous culture and language, which she had missed out on during school.
A member of the Moree Reconciliation Committee, she was proud of what the “handful” of members were able to achieve.
I'm a 64 year old Aboriginal woman and I don't know my own language. For the kids to go up and do that, it's wonderful.
- Marion Nelio
Visitors showed their support by signing a hand, carved by a Pius X staff member, in remembrance of the ‘sea of hands’, in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, placed in front of Parliament House in 1997 as a native title rights statement. The hands have since become a symbol of reconciliation, and the piece will go on display at Pius X.
Moree Plains Shire Council corporate services director Mitchell Johnson spoke on the council’s view on reconciliation, and Inspector Martin Bourke showed his understanding of cultural issues.
The rain held off for the guest speakers, but soon sent attendees into the hall to dry off. When the weather cleared up, a local Elder and student raised the flags, while balloons were released.
