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by Kerri Carr
Federation Aboriginal Education Co-ordinator Pam Koeneman encourages supporters of reconciliation to join thousands of Australians in an historic People’s Walk for reconciliation across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday May 28.
The walk has been organised by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
Pam said the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation was set up 10 years ago with support from both sides of government. In the past 10 years there has been some progress made towards reconciliation and many people have now joined reconciliation groups which try to further the issue within their local area.
Given the Federal Government’s recent denial of the Stolen Generation, long-standing issues of Aboriginal self-determination in regards to native title and many who see the process of reconciliation as damaged, many are wondering whether a walk across the bridge would be worthwhile.
Pam feels people will attend for a lot of different reasons.
She will walk to support the process of reconciliation.
"We need to stick together to support each other," Pam said.
"As a people’s movement we’re slowly getting somewhere, but the Government still has a long way to go — they haven’t delivered on a lot that the Aboriginal people are asking for," she said.
"There’s a lot of hurt out there with Aboriginal people," Pam said.
"Some people feel the reconciliation process is not working because of what the Government is not doing."
"However, a lot has been done on the ground by individuals in groups and organisations," Pam said.
"People are starting to look at things and make changes and they’re sorting out things together.
"Through working together we will be able to make the changes we need to give us all the future we deserve," Pam added.
The walk across the bridge will be followed by free public concert featuring top Australian performers at Darling Harbour.
Delegates attending Women’s Conference who would like to march should contact Women’s Co-ordinator Michelle Rosicky.
Other Federation members wishing to march under the Federation banner should contact Organiser Fionie Stavert.