A Reconciliation Action Plan for Kiama

In the spirit of reconciliation, Kiama Greens acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations people.

We acknowledge that none of this country was ceded and the persistent consequences of dispossession to First Nations people involve loss of identity and its related spiritual, social, cultural, emotional and physical dimensions.

We note the view of Reconciliation Australia that: “At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.”

Kiama Greens support and embrace the theme of NAIDOC week 2021, “Heal Country, heal our nation”. We hope that all citizens can experience this celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In doing so, we hope the non-Indigenous community can more fully understand what our First Nations people want and need from us, to facilitate this healing.

Important components in the healing are the principles enshrined within the “Uluru Statement from the Heart”, Constitutional recognition and the establishment of The Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of truth-telling about Australia’s history and colonisation.

Locally, we have recognised the Minnamurra Massacre of 1818 as a tragic event in the Frontier War period of our nation. As a community we need to extend this recognition into a greater understanding of the enduring impacts of dispossession of land and culture on First Nations people.

Kiama Greens believe it is time for the development of a local framework, leading to a Reconciliation Action Plan for Kiama, where our First Nations people are at the heart of this process and where we can all be part of the healing.

We agree that by strengthening relations with First Nations people, learning from truth-telling, and celebrating their culture with them, we can help “Heal Country, heal our nation”.

Click on the images below for information from the three sources quoted above.