Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about Indigenous culture and history and reflect on how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation Week is bookended by two significant dates in the national reconciliation movement. On 27 May 1967, a groundbreaking national referendum recorded a 90% vote to amend the Australian Constitution to include Indigenous peoples in the census. Fast forward to 3 June 1992, the High Court Mabo Case transferred land ownership rights and compensation back to Indigenous peoples under the Native Title Act.
At Scotch College, part of our mission is to support the knowledge and traditions of Indigenous peoples. This year, the theme for Reconciliation Week is 'More than a word. Reflection takes action.' All Australians are encouraged to be brave and to take action to achieve national reconciliation. This sentiment reflects Kevin Rudd's 2008 national apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples, observed as Sorry Day on 26 May. Unprecedented on a political level, this was the first time an Australian government formally apologised to the Indigenous peoples.
In support of Reconciliation Week, all AFL clubs wear guernseys featuring artwork by Indigenous people during their Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds. Scotch and the Public Schools Association have adopted this tradition. Year 12 students Raquell Bin Rashid and William Wolf have designed this year's Football guernsey to be presented and worn for the Indigenous Round on 28 and 29 May 2021 against Wesley College. We hope to see our footballers wear the guernseys with pride.
As a commitment to reconciliation, Scotch is holding NAIDOC Week in the second week of Winter Term. This week provides an opportunity for the College community to celebrate, embrace and respect the Indigenous culture. Throughout NAIDOC week, there will be activities with a focus on cultural learning and participation.
Mr Micheal Spratt
Indigenous Student Programme Coordinator
About Micheal
We are delighted to introduce Mr Micheal Spratt as our new Indigenous Student Programme Coordinator. Micheal is a Noongar Yamatji man living in Perth. He attended and worked at Wesley College within the Indigenous programme, enabling an understanding from both a student and a leaders' perspective. Micheal is passionate about Indigenous dancing and playing the digeridoo, and his talent has taken him abroad to perform in the UK and Scotland.
Whilst involved in the programme at Wesley College, Micheal learned about and practised Indigenous culture. He believes that having a strong sense of culture equipped him with the ability to succeed. Micheal strives to engage with and impart knowledge about Indigenous culture to non-Indigenous people. He hopes to empower young Indigenous people to become the next leaders and achieve personal success.
