Beginnings

The Older Women's Network (OWN) Aboriginal Support Circle began in 1994 using the Australians for Reconciliation Study Circle Kit and the Open Learning Program on the ABC as guidelines for our activities. We have been meeting monthly for business meetings for over seven years.During these years, many Aboriginal women have been invited to special meetings to share their stories and/or explain current indigenous social or cultural issues to us.

Aims

The overall aim of the OWN Aboriginal Support Circle is to study Aboriginal history, customs and culture with a view to extending this knowledge to family and friends so that a better appreciation of Australian indigenous people will be gained.

Our specific aim is to use this knowledge and understanding to cultivate a better relationship and friendship with older Aboriginal women so that we can work together to add value to the lives of older women in Australia.

Beliefs and Values

Since the invasion of Australia by white people the indigenous people of Australia have been subjected to seizure of their land, attempted genocide, loss of dignity, persecution and gross discrimination.

Through the tenacity of and struggle of black leaders, both women and men, and assisted by the growing awareness in the white community of the terrible injustices inflicted on our black sisters and brothers by our society, a great change is beginning to take place. However, an enormous amount of work remains to be done before our indigenous people gain their rightful and just place in our society.

Indigenous people, because of ostracism by our society, have long been estranged from non-indigenous people. A lack of knowledge amongst non-indigenous Australians of Aboriginal history, customs and culture has caused great misunderstanding and bitterness amongst sections of the Aboriginal population towards white society.

One goal of reconciliation is to mend the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous people. For this to be achieved there needs to be a full and open discussion of the issues that have arisen between the two groups with the intention of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. A formal apology from the Prime Minister for past wrongs is critical for reconciliation to be achieved.

Activities

The Aboriginal Support Circle publishes a what's on a calendar of Aboriginal events every month invites Aboriginal women to meetings as guest speakers participates in reconciliation events and gatherings visits Aboriginal communities organises excursions to significant Aboriginal sites attends art exhibitions, plays and other cultural events featuring Aboriginal history and contemporary issues participates in functions and working-bees sponsored by the Council for Reconciliation and in particular the Women's Reconciliation Network uses music, poetry and humour whenever possible to convey a serious message monitors discriminatory practices in the media reports and policy documents carries out research on topical issues to enable members to understand the broad issues supports Aboriginal organisations by attending meetings and rallies, and lobbies on behalf of Aboriginal people when appropriate supports Aboriginal organisations and events with financial contributions top

Members of any Older Women's Network group are welcome to join the Aboriginal Support Group, which meets on the first Monday of each month.

To send information about coming Aboriginal events or to request the Whats on Calendar, please email lpollack@sydpcug.org.au

In November 2003 we launched - Steppin' Out and Speakin' Up - Aboriginal women's stories. The stories in this published collection honour the tradition of generations of Indigenous women who have worked within and beyond their own communities to achieve social justice for their people. This was a joint project with the Tranby Trust, the Mercy Foundation and the NSW Reconciliation Council. 15 active members volunteered their time to collect material, write, and conduct interviews. The launch raised $7000 which was given to Tranby Aboriginal College for funding of scholarships.

The Convenors of this LRG are Trude Kallir and Margaret Walker.

For more information please contact NSWRC.

Local Reconciliation Groups