Moree children take the next steps towards Reconciliation

As part of this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Let’s take the next steps’, children from St Philomena’s School, Goodstart Early Learning, Kiah Preschool, Moree Preschool, Gwydir Daycare, Grace Lutheran Preschool and Aussie Kids Preschool and Daycare have re-created their footprints onto pieces of paper which are now displayed in shop windows throughout Balo Street.

The footprints begin at the Aboriginal Employment Strategy and work their way down the main street, ending at La Maison Rose near the traffic lights. Each of the businesses displaying the footprints support reconciliation.

The idea was that of Moree Reconciliation Week committee member Linda Kelly who thought it would be a great way to engage with both the younger generation and the Moree business community, and being displayed throughout the main street it will be visible for the whole community.

“All the kids had to design their own footprint and talk about reconciliation and what that means to them,” Moree Reconciliation Week committee member Cathy Duncan said.

“The footprints represents Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people taking the next steps, in fitting with this year’s theme.”

Some footprints were painted, others were drawn, some feature creative, colourful designs, while many were in the colours of the Aboriginal flag – red, yellow and black.

Above the footprints is the child’s name and the words ‘I put my foot down for reconciliation’.

Ms Duncan said the children have been very excited to see their footprints down the street.

The committee hopes to continue doing something similar for reconciliation week each year and will work it in with the annual theme.