More than 200 students from schools across Cumberland gathered at Prospect Hill to unite, learn and celebrate Aboriginal culture at Cumberland Council’s Schools Reconciliation Day.
This event is held every year to allow children to engage with local First Nations People and to learn more about Aboriginal history and culture through activities including art, dance and storytelling.
The 3rd of May is a significant and historic day in Cumberland as it commemorates a meeting between First Nations People and European settlers in 1805 .
This meeting took place between a group of Aboriginal women and Reverend Samuel Marsden and it set off a chain of events which helped to create some acceptance and understanding between the two cultures and
open the way towards reconciliation.
Mayor Lisa Lake said Council will continue to work with the Darug community to deepen our understanding of this meeting and its impacts.
“Although the 3rd of May does not have a place in our national calendar, it is a defining moment in Cumberland’s history. It is referred to in some texts as a landmark in Aboriginal/European relations,” said Mayor Lake.
“We all have a role to play in reconciliation as we look towards National Reconciliation Week.”
Council will be celebrating National Reconciliation Week with Darug Elder, Chris Tobin, who will be presenting a talk at Merrylands Library on Wednesday, 31 May from 11:00am to midday.
National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and how to achieve reconciliation in Australia.
To reserve your spot at National Reconciliation Week or for more information visit: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/event/national-reconciliation-week-darug-elder-chris-tobin
For more information about Council’s culturally significant Aboriginal sites or for resources visit: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander
