National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs annually from 27 May – 3 June. NRW encourages all Australians to unite and celebrate achievements in our nation’s reconciliation journey. With the theme “Let’s Take the Next Steps”, this year also marks significant anniversaries: 50 years since the 1967 referendum, 25 years since the Mabo decision and 20 years since ‘Bringing Them Home’. For more information, please visit: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/nrw.
All smiles while meeting Alice’s Daughter.
On Thursday 1 June 2017, Inala Community House hosted a special Reconciliation Lunch event featuring our special guests: Rhonda Collard-Spratt and co-author Jacki Ferro with their newly launched book ‘Alice’s Daughter, Lost Mission Child’:
In 1954, aged three, Rhonda Collard-Spratt was taken from her Aboriginal family and placed on Carnarvon Native Mission, Western Australia. Growing up in the white world of chores and aprons, religious teachings and cruel beatings, Rhonda drew strength and healing from her mission brothers and sisters, her art, music and poetry, and her unbreakable bond with the Dreaming.
Alice’s Daughter is the story of Rhonda’s search for culture and family as she faces violence, racism, foster families, and her father’s death in custody; one of the first deaths investigated as part of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Written in Rhonda’s distinctive voice, Alice’s Daughter is fearless, compelling and intimate reading. Coupled with her vibrant and powerful paintings and poetry, Rhonda’s is a journey of sadness, humour, resilience and ultimately survival.
You can show your support and get Rhonda’s book here: http://aiatsis.gov.au/publications/products/alices-daughter-lost-mission-child/kindle
The Reconciliation Lunch was held from 12.30-2pm at Inala Community House Business Centre (38 Sittella Street, Inala, QLD 4077).
Besides our special guests Rhonda and Jacki, we also invited respected members of Inala Elders (https://www.facebook.com/Inala-Elders-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Corporation-645043258943284/) and staff members from our different services for this commemorative occasion.
The event started with Rhonda performing Acknowledgement of Country to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
“On behalf of Inala Community House, we would like to thank Rhonda and Jacki for coming today and sharing your inspiring stories with our community,” said our Managing Director Ross Paul.
“My family would also like to gift a new plant to Inala Community House and one to Inala Elders,” said our Community Engagement Manager Haley Kiata. Thank you Haley for your generous donation and organising this event to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land where we have the privilege of working and living in.
All attendees later enjoyed a lunch buffet and lively music performance by Rhonda.
“Many of my Mission Families have been abused emotionally, spiritually, sexually and physically. I have done a lot of healing since arriving in Queensland. I went to Link-Up (http://www.link-upqld.org.au/) and healing camps. Please be respectful and know that a lot of our people may be lost or even use alcohol and drug to cover their pain. My advice is to never judge and accept people for who they are – with an open heart,” shared Rhonda in her final advice.
Inala Community House endeavours to serve and improve the lives of all our community members. If you need help in any life issues, please contact us today: www.ich.org.au | info@ich.org.au | (07) 3372 1711.