Dear Parents and Caregivers
The International Year of Indigenous Languages is a United Nations observance this year. The aim is to raise awareness of the endangerment of Indigenous languages across the world.
For our Aboriginal brothers and sisters this consists of 250 different language groups. Each group distinct from each other in their rituals, sacred knowledge and belief systems.
This coming Sunday, the Catholic Church in Australia celebrates Aboriginal Sunday. We are, on this day, encouraged to remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their strong connection to culture and land. It is also a time to focus on the need for justice for Aboriginal Australians.
Aboriginal Sunday is the first day of NAIDOC Week, a special day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which was first observed in 1938. It celebrates the survival of these peoples whose cultures are so ancient. This single day has now developed into a week–long celebration. During this week there are many events, which demonstrate the cultural richness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is also a time to remember the need for justice for Aboriginal Australians.
Let us pray together:
God of peace,
You care for all the peoples of the earth.
May we learn to respect
the traditions and gifts of all cultures.
May all who make Australia their home
walk together seeking healing and peace.
Amen.
May the next few weeks be filled with laughter and joy,
Until next term,
Grace