Streetlevel flies flag for reconciliation
Brisbane Streetlevel Team Leader Major Bryce Davies (centre) with the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Respect, recognition and reconciliation were the focus of a moving flag ceremony and shared evening meal at Brisbane Streetlevel Mission on 9 April.
After a welcome and an acknowledgement of bordering clan country, Raelene Baker, Divisional Coordinator Indigenous Engagement for the South Queensland Division, handed over a full set of both the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags to Major Bryce Davies, Streetlevel Team Leader, and Dusty Muller, an Aboriginal Wiradjurri Elder, originally from NSW, and an adherent at Streetlevel.
Raelene is a Yuggera elder of Brisbane and a member of both the Birri Gubba and Yuggera peoples of Far North Queensland and the Brisbane South East clan areas.
“This powerful ceremony symbolised our commitment to hear Indigenous stories, build bridges and make sure everyone feels welcome and respected at Streetlevel Salvos,” said Major Davies.
“There was so much energy and positive affirmation at the ceremony – people are really responding to what we’re doing here.
“We want to get more involved with the Indigenous community and intentionally absorb their culture into Streetlevel. These flags are a statement of that, and add weight to the sign on both our doors here, that we welcome and respect the original owners of the land Streetlevel stands on – the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples.
“We are encouraging our members to listen to the stories of the Indigenous people who come here, even if they are painful and angry stories. We need to listen; we can’t make it right, but we can listen.
“We will also be involved in National Sorry Day and a community family day in Musgrave Park as part of NAIDOC week 2015.
“We are working on other ideas for the future as well.”
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.