One of the most beautiful reflections I saw today about The Apology was on Pip Gordon’s Facebook page. Pip, who is a member of the Sharing Culture network of Advisors/Healers, gave me permission to quote her here:
“Take yourself back to where you were on February 13th, 2008?
I remember sitting on the floor with my 4 month old baby Erin and watching Kevin Rudd's speech... my throat closes over and my eyes sting even just being back in that place.
And my journey into understanding the impact and devastation of the truth of Australia's history and to the First Peoples of this sacred land had only just begun.
Today, I had the honour and privilege to sit and listen and feel the stories of a number of deeply courageous women who shared their stories of The Stolen Generation living in Katherine.
Beautiful Ellen Gough and Juanita... two powerful strong humble women... you said... "We all play a part in this story. Together we are stronger. To build this strength we must start from the inside out."
Share the stories, listen and hear those stories, teach our children the stories, feel the sadness, feel the sorry, release the guilt, embrace the healing and know that we are all connected beings walking this Earth together.
I'm as 'white fella' as you get in skin way. But learning to let go of ego and guilt and shame and resentment and judgment and blame has been the gift I have learnt from this ancient, spiritual, most wise of cultures.
I wish for more people to not hold back from going to 'that place' in their hearts and find the joy and healing that comes when we connect and grow in belonging together.
I honour you Aunty Bea Ballangarry, Miliwanga, Miriam Rose Ungunmerr, Margaret Katherine, Judy Kaye Knox, Judy Atkinson and all those that have shared their stories with me and listened to mine.”