May 30, 2018
Kingaroy State High School marked National Reconciliation Week with special lunchtime activities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students on Thursday.
Year 7-12 students signed a “Reconciliation Pledge” as well as taking part in fun activities including face-painting and food tasting.
They also enjoyed a performance of traditional-style dancing from the Kingaroy Sista Girls.
Guest speakers were Indigenous community member Val McGrath, from Blackbutt, and Bunya Mountains Murri Rangers Allysa Brown and Hedley Bell, who shared their knowledge with the students to help reconnect Indigenous youth with culture.
The day was co-ordinated by KSHS Community Education Counsellor Toni Phillips-Petersen, who presented Val with a special painting as a “thank you” gift.
National Reconciliation Week began in 1996 to celebrate indigenous history and culture and foster reconciliation discussion and activities.
It is held between May 27 and June 3 every year, ie. the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the High Court’s 1992 Mabo judgement.
