Indigenous Reconciliation
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week is celebrated with passion at Mount Lilydale Mercy College. This year’s theme ‘Let’s see it through’ inspired the 2010 Indigenous Prefect to raise awareness of the social injustices of Indigenous Australians and commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk and Reconciliation Australia and the 18th anniversary of the High Court’s judgement on the Eddie Mabo Case. The word ‘SORRY’ was displayed around the school grounds to express our remorse for the past and present injustices of Indigenous Australians. In addition, posters were displayed to raise awareness of the differences in health care, education and opportunities received by Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
Jigalong
Each year, Year 10 students are offered the opportunity to participate in an immersion experience in the remote Aboriginal Community of Jigalong in Western Australia. Mount Lilydale Mercy College has had an ongoing relationship with the Jigalong School for a number of years, through which students from both schools travel to experience the culture and life of the different communities. For Mount Lilydale students, the trip allows them to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture for a week and get involved in their school community, whilst improving reconciliation amongst our school and the wider community.
Northern Territory Immersion
A JOURNEY OF MISSION – where we provide service to those in need and giving of one’s self to others.
A JOURNEY OF IMMERSION – where we immerse ourselves in the vibrant and diverse culture of the indigenous communities of Northern Australia.
A JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY – where we, as individuals and a group discover strengths, limitations and goodwill.
WHY IS IT CALLED A “PILGRIMAGE” AND NOT A TRIP?
We use the term “Pilgrimage” because this journey is more than just a trip.
It is a journey with a sacred purpose. Our Pilgrimage captured the spirit of MISSION and IMMERSION.
The first aspect of the Pilgrimage is one of MISSION – where we worked in the Schools with children from primary & secondary years, learning about their education and language. The second half of the Pilgrimage is devoted to IMMERSION – immersing ourselves in the culture and society of communities. We gained an understanding of this vibrant region and develop an appreciation of its history, geography, people and lifestyle.
