As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, Trinity College
is committed to advancing the cause of reconciliation between indigenous
Australians and the wider community. Reconciliation is about the important
qualities of acceptance, respect, and recognition. Reconciliation
not only accepts the special place of indigenous people in Australia's
history, but it also celebrates indigenous cultures
Goals
As a result of the reconciliation process we would seek a united
Australian community which
Values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage;
Recognises that Australia was colonised without the consent
of the original inhabitants;
Respects the laws, beliefs and traditions of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples;
Recognises the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples as the original custodians of traditional lands
and waters;
Provides justice and equity for all.
Reconciliation
The Trinity College community recognises that, in the justice and
equity, there are strong ethical reasons for advancing the cause
of reconciliation by:
Understanding and accepting our recent history which has dispossessed
indigenous peoples;
Nurturing respect for the culture and identity of indigenous
peoples;
Recognising that past injustice continues to give rise to present
injustice;
Identifying what more needs to be done and working for the implementation
of change;
Renewing our national identity to promote unity and harmony.
The Past
In moving along the path of reconciliation, we acknowledge that
there is a need to express our deep regret for the past. Whilst
recognising that the wrongfulness of past dispossession, oppression
and degradation of indigenous Australians is not something for
which some individuals to-day can feel a personal guilt, it is,
in the Governor General, Sir William Deane's words, "a matter
of immense national shame"
The Trinity College community recognises the sufferings of past
years, and wishes to express its sorrow for the wrongs that indigenous
people have suffered during so many years of Australia's recent
history.
The Future
We recognise that - as a Christian educational community - we
have unique responsibilities and opportunities to further the
cause of reconciliation among the parents, staff and students
of our school.
To this end Trinity College commits itself:
To ensuring that our school is involved in sharing the richness
of indigenous culture and heritage;
To providing opportunities for our staff members to grow in knowledge
and understanding of the process of reconciliation between indigenous
Australians and the wider community;
To providing a teaching of history that enables students to gain
a clearer perspective and understanding of the impact of colonisation
on indigenous people;
To learning from best practice to provide for the unique needs
of indigenous students and their families in our school community;
To be sensitive to indigenous peoples' traditions and beliefs
when developing the physical environment of our schools;
To consult with indigenous people in matters related to indigenous
history and culture.
