National Sorry Day - 26th May 2022
"National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country". https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-sorry-day-2020/ This morning we listened to the story "Finding our Heart" on You Tube read by the author of the story Thomas Mayor. Looking at reconciliation and the Uluru Statement. "When we all came together at Uluru, we invited all Australian people to accept our voice and culture as a gift. Can you help us find the heart of the nation? A book about understanding Australia's past, so we can have a shared future."After listening to the story I posed the following question to the children "What does sorry mean to you?" some of the responses were as follows: Grace: "Don't do it again" Laye: "Not to do it again" Portia: "Sad" James: "You can't do it" I then asked the children where will we find our heart? Alex replied "It is inside me" and Carter told us "It is in the garden" as he pointed to the garden outside the window. Later in the morning at our group time before lunch we sat down with the children from the Joeys room to share another story. Sandra asked the group if they remembered why we acknowledged Sorry Day. Grace remembered that it was for the Dharug people (our local aboriginal people). We read the book "Welcome to Country" by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy We learnt that Aboriginal communities across Australia have boundaries that are defined by mountain ranges and waterways. Traditionally, to cross these boundaries or enter community country you needed permission from the neighbouring community. When this permission was granted the ceremony now called Welcome to Country took place. Each community had its own way of welcoming to country, and they still do today. Each morning at our morning gathering we do an Acknowledgement to country- to recognise and show respect for our local mob the Dharug people.
Link to Pedagogical Documentation
EYLF Outcomes
Outcomes: 1: Children have a strong sense of identity Elements: 1.4 Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect. The children have been learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and protocols.
Service Philosophy
WE RESPECT DIVERSITY We recognise and value the diversity within our centre, and the community We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives We are committed to supporting all children within the environment and engaging in inclusive practices We promote awareness, understanding, fairness and acceptance
Interpretation
CRITICAL REFLECTION: Today I had hoped to share with the children the meaning of National Sorry Day. The welcome to country book I found was not suitable for the younger 0-3's children. During the reading they lost interest and began to distract the Possum Room children, next time I will read the book with only the older children. I need to research more on Aboriginal and Torres Islander culture so I can confidently share this with the children. FOLLOW UP: Reconciliation week next week.
