National Reconciliation Week 2021.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) has come and gone for another year, and to celebrate the theme of “more than a word, reconciliation takes action” My Pathway bookended the week by taking part in two community events in Cairns. Following a year where COVID foiled countless similar events and opportunities to connect, it’s especially important to re-engage with causes like NRW.
Several staff members were on hand for the region’s inaugural NRW launch breakfast, where director Kenny Bedford spoke in his role as a Reconciliation Australia board member to the progress Queensland has made towards reconciliation. He commended Cairns for its commitment to reconciliation, including My Pathway’s efforts with its Reconciliation Action Plan.
Kenny was active again on Mabo Day, leading a community BBQ event at the Cook Street office in Cairns. He was joined by local Traditional Owner Henrietta Marrie, Mer Elder Doug Passi and Torres Strait Islander Torres Webb, who spoke about what Mabo Day means to them, and the need for continued commitment to reconciliation.
In 2021 Reconciliation Australia aimed to inspire people to ‘move from safe to brave’ on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Here at My Pathway, we hope that the events of NRW will help our staff be braver in their commitment to reconciliation.