On National Sorry Day, join local Knowledge Holders, civic leaders, artists and the broader community for an event to honour the Stolen Generations at Dharug Circle in Parramatta Square.
Held on 26 May annually, National Sorry Day honours the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and acknowledges the impact of this chapter in Australia's history with a rich program of ceremony, workshops and storytelling from 10am-1pm.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said as a growing global City with a rich Aboriginal history and culture, it was important to acknowledge this significant day with the whole community.
"We're inviting all of our community to join us for this free inclusive event to connect with each other and learn about our City's rich history and culture," Cr Zaiter said
"Every conversation, every artwork, every dance step on 26 May is a great way to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture."
Program highlights:
- 10am-11am: Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and speeches from community Knowledge Holders about strength, survival and truth-telling.
- 11am-1pm: free, hands-on art, weaving and dance workshops, learning directly from Dharug artists.
- Art workshop with Jessica Tobin: creating visual stories
- Weaving workshop with Rhiannon Wright: featuring emu feather bracelet-making
- Dance workshop with Jannawi Dance Clan: bringing Sydney stories to life through movement and song.
This year's event marks 28 years since the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Federal Parliament - a landmark moment which documented the experiences of the Stolen Generations and helped bring their stories to national consciousness.
