Working towards Reconciliation
Working towards Reconciliation
This week marked National Reconciliation Week where communities across Australia learn more about a shared history, culture, and achievement to take time to reflect on the role each of us play in working toward reconciliation with First Nations People.
Reconciliation is the strengthening of relationships between indigenous groups to benefit all. This year’s theme of “Be Brave, Make the Change” is a challenge for all Australians to make a concerted effort to address the unfinished business of reconciliation for the benefit of all.
One such tool to build a better knowledge of Reconciliation is the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A RAP is a framework for organisations to realise their vision for engaging well with Aboriginal people and creating good pathways and processes for people. Through the program, organisations develop a RAP – a plan that documents what the organisation commits to doing.
In 2020, The Lutheran Church of Australia launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This RAP is designed to assist the church and the communities connected to them, to reflect on our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The RAP helps us to consider what we can do to further grow this relationship and to build a deeper and mutual respect for First Nations peoples. Our RAP also seeks for us to consider together further opportunities to encourage and enable First Nation Christians to serve and lead in all aspects of church life in the LCA.
The logo accompanying this RAP was created by a 9-year-old boy from the Eastern Aranda and Wangkangurru Nations. His explanation for the painting was as follows.
“It’s about how there is one God and there are lots of people … we are all different – that’s a good thing - because we can all see different parts of God and share that with each other … That way, we can all learn from each other.” Henry [aged 9, 2018]
Eastern Aranda & Wangkangurru
As a College, we are guided by the principles and actions outlined in this plan. To better understand the path to reconciliation in our unique context, staff and students have begun the first steps to constructing our own College Reconciliation Action Plan. Our hope is that as a college, we begin to better understand the road to reconciliation and what steps our community takes toward greater clarity and engagement with Indigenous knowledge. We thank those involved in these first crucial steps and look forward to extending an invitation to our wider community to contribute in the future.
If you wish to read more, the following link leads to the Lutheran Church of Australia Reconciliation Action Plan.
Take care and God Bless.
Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5