Reconciliation Week is an important event for MercyCare and staff from across the organisation came together to acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, heritage and history.
To kick off the week, on May 27 staff from across the organisation came together at the Bendat Community Centre in Wembley to attend a breakfast event that featured a round table discussion, a live stream of Reconciliation WA’s event and performances by traditional dancers.
During the breakfast, staff watched the live stream of Reconciliation WA’s National Reconciliation Week event, which featured a powerful presentation by keynote speaker Stan Grant, who shared his lived experience and the barriers his father had faced in speaking their native language.
Following the live stream, staff sat together to engage in a yarn about how we can ‘be brave and make change’, including how MercyCare can do better in this space.
The yarning sessions gave staff the opportunity to discuss relevant topics in a constructive way, with many positive conversations had about reconciliation and how we can walk together on that journey.
The event also featured lively performances from traditional Aboriginal dancers who paid homage to their tradition and culture.
To wrap up Reconciliation Week, on Friday June 3 more than 40 MercyCare staff came together at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) to join the Walk for Reconciliation as a mark of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, heritage and history.
As a show of unity and respect, staff wore their vibrant MercyCare Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) Shirts and Hats featuring the stunning artwork of Aboriginal artist, Michelle ‘Wiluna’ Kickett.
Commissioned by MercyCare in 2017, Michelle’s original ‘Celebration of Country’ artwork – which is on display in the reception area at MercyCare’s head office in West Perth – is a geo-dreaming map and abstract expression of the local significant landmarks in the Perth metro area of Whadjuk, and depicts the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), Galup (Lake Monger), Djarlgarra (Canning River), Nigerup (Point Walter), Kaarda Gerrup (Kings Park), Moorda (Darling Ranges) and Walyalup (Fremantle).
June 3 also marks the 30th Anniversary of the Mabo Case, a ground-breaking decision on Australia’s legal history, which provided a poignant reflection for everyone who participated in the walk.
The walk started at the Gija Jumulu (Giant Boab), with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony, with the group then making their way through Kings Park, pausing to observe various activities and performances including dances featuring the Digeridoo and clapping sticks, along the way.
During the walk, there were also educational stops where staff learnt about the Kings Park flora, bush tucker, dot painting and ancient tools.
