On Friday 30 May, Stuartholme commemorated Sorry Day with a solemn and reflective service held in the Chapel.
“Stuartholme is a community committed to learning from, and walking in solidarity with our Indigenous sisters and brothers,” Acting Principal, Andree Rice said.
Sorry Day is officially recognised on Monday 26 May as this was the day that the Bringing Them Home Report was tabled in Federal Parliament in 1997. The Report concluded that “indigenous families and communities have endured gross violations of their human rights” and it noted that “these violations continue to affect indigenous people’s daily lives.”
“Many were brought to tears by Schascle Bassani’s account of her great grandmother’s suffering in Northern Queensland,” Andree said.
The service included a very moving duet by Valerie Tamwoy, Tynequa Kemp and Tatyana King-Smith singing “They Took the Children Away.”
Stuartholme’s Indigenous students also explained the personal significance of Sorry Day for them and their families.
“It was an honour to hear the personal story of elder Kerry Charlton as well and we thank her for taking the time to be with us,” Andree said.
