Spiritual Reconciliation comes from within

By Ruth Skilbeck

Acknowledging that change occurs at the grassroots of community perceptions and relationships between people, and embodying a dual-approach of symbolism and action, the Reconciliation movement's aims are change on both the symbolic level of culture, and practical action through communication arts, and cultural activities in communities to increase understanding and respect of Indigenous Australia. 

Perhaps it's also about acknowledging that the distinctions between 'indigenous' and 'non-indigenous' heritage are not always clear, that the history of 'occupation’ has brought a widespread blurring of identities on many levels. Many Australians do not know all their ancestors in their family tree, there are many lost and forgotten Aboriginal mothers in colonial history, many 'don't know', or ‘hard to say' backgrounds; it's about ending colonial racism in Australia and moving into a more enlightened future together.

Becoming reconciled with our selves, and the trauma of our colonial history within us, Reconciliation is a profound Spiritual cultural and personal process, and that's why it's not straightforward, it's a hard struggle, it needs to be nurtured and worked on and supported.


© Copyright Ruth Skilbeck, 2012