Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School students create hibiscus flower art installation to acknowledge Sorry Day

As schools across the South West acknowledge National Sorry Day, a group of students have unveiled a special piece of wall art for their school. Senior school students at Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School collaborated with Kurongkurl Katitjin, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research at Edith Cowan University to create a wall art installation consisting of clay hibiscus flowers, the National Sorry Day flower. Along with the art installation, the school planted a native hibiscus on campus. The native hibiscus flower is also known as the Stolen Generation flower and was chosen because it survives harsh conditions and symbolises strength and resilience. Its colour also denotes compassion and spiritual healing. The scattering of the clay flowers along the wall represents the path of the Stolen Generations. Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School principal Karen Augustson said the school wanted to acknowledge “the pain and suffering of children who were forcibly removed from the families and communities”. “The school recognised that it was vital to have a formal and permanent symbol of our understanding and we wanted to honour the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School motto, Honouring our Past, Living in the Present, Preparing for our Future,” she said. Also known as the National Day of Healing, Sorry Day is acknowledged each year on May 26, coinciding with Reconciliation Week celebrations.