Day focuses on healing

Students at the Kolbe Catholic College Sorry Day commemoration shared the message that it is time to heal and step forward as a nation united.

The school body, community members and Aboriginal elders listened last Wednesday as students shared their thoughts and feelings on the history behind National Sorry Day.

Students explored the theme Sorry, Still Living on Borrowed Time to commemorate those affected by government policies which forced the separation of Aboriginal children from their families and culture.

Student Taylor Collard, 17, said Sorry Day was a day to remember the mistreatment, horror and injustice of the first Australians.

“This day carries a great emotional significance for the Stolen Generations, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and non-indigenous Australians,” she said.

Taylor’s brother Rhys Collard, 17, said it was a significant day which allowed all people the chance to share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and their communities.

“It is now 2014, a time for change,” he said.

“A time to move forward as a nation united.

“You all have a chance to engage, so please do — go away and learn, accept and recognise, as your voice is essential in order for our nation to move forward and right the wrongs that have occurred.”

The annual day has been held in Australia on May 26, since 1998, after the tabling of a report based on the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.