Episode Transcript
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Yaama.
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My name is Ash Knox,
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and I’m a proud Gomeroi woman
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from the Kamilaroi Nation.
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I serve as the Cultural Advisor
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within the People and Culture team
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here at the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
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In this role,
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I have the privilege of walking alongside
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
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across our Archdiocese
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and support our workplaces
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to grow in cultural awareness and capability.
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I’d like to begin by honouring
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the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples,
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the Traditional Custodians of the land
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on which we gather today.
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I’m here at St Stephen’s Cathedral,
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a place of deep spiritual and cultural significance for many.
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I pay tribute to Elders past and present
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and extend that respect
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to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
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joining us today.
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May we each take a moment
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to reflect on the Country we’re on
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and the spirits, stories, and strength
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that continues to live in these lands.
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26th of May marks National Sorry Day,
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also known as the Journey of Healing,
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a time to honour Stolen Generations
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and reflect on the deep and ongoing impacts
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of past government policies
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that removed children from their families,
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cultures, and communities.
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Immediately after this
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is National Reconciliation Week,
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which begins on Tuesday 27th of May.
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This important week first began in 1993
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as a Week of Prayer for Reconciliation,
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supported by Australia’s major faith groups.
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This year’s theme is, Bridging Now to Next.
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This theme speaks to ongoing connection between
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past, present, and future
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reminding us that reconciliation isn’t a moment in time,
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but a continuing journey.
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Bridging Now to Next
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calls on all Australians to step forward together,
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to remember the lessons of the past,
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to stand in truth and unity today,
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and to look ahead with courage and commitment.
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This week is framed by two significant dates.
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May 27th marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum,
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when over 90% of Australians voted
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to give the Commonwealth power
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to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
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and to include them in the census,
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a moment of profound national recognition.
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June 3rd is Mabo Day,
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which commemorates the landmark High Court decision
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that overturned the myth of terra nullius
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and recognises Native Title rights
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of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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This legal milestone
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affirmed what First Nations peoples have always known,
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that this land was never empty,
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and our deep, enduring connection to Country
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is real and rightful.
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I invite you now to pray with me.
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In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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God of justice and truth.
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On National Sorry Day,
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we remember the strength
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of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
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who have carried the burden of past policies,
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particularly those impacted by forced removals.
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We honour the voices of the Stolen Generations,
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their courage, their stories,
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and their ongoing journey of healing.
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We ask for your forgiveness and guidance
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as we strive to heal the wounds of the past
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and build a future
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where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
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We pray for a nation where justice
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and equity prevail for all Australians.
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May Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
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be empowered to thrive,
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and may the disparities in achievement
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be overcome through collective commitment and action.
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May we continue to walk together, not just in words,
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but in meaningful change.
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Amen.
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In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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Thank you for praying with me today.
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I hope I get to see you soon,
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as we continue this journey together.
