Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group paid respects to members of the Stolen Generations at a special service on May 21.
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The "Yarning Up Respect" Bringing Them Home Healing event Aboriginal Cultural and Community Centre in Mittagong.
Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group chariman Kim Leevers described the event as a solemn occasion.
“We pay respect to the members of the Stolen Generations, particularly those who didn't survive to ever have their pain and suffering acknowledged; who never knew of the Bringing Them Home Report or ever received the apology delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008,” he saids.
“We must celebrate the survival and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community. Today we do this by commemorating them with cultural celebration."
Aunty Carol Cooper, respected Gundungurra Elder, who had travelled with others from the Blue Mountains for the occasion, delivered the Welcome to Country, and congratulated the people of the Southern Highlands for their efforts in reconciliation.
The Ecopella choir then sang their heartfelt Acknowledgement Song. A minutes silence was then held for absent family and friends.
Aunty Wendy Lotter then led everyone through the healing smoking ceremony while Patrick Logan played the didgeridoo.
The young dancers of the Black Cockatoos performed a Cleansing Dance, followed by the Lyre Bird dance and My Island Home.
A pictorial history of reconciliation activities over the last 20 years compiled by Sally Waterford was displayed. More harmony from Ecopella, especially the song "Listen Deep to the Land" was enjoyed by all.
Mr Leevers said people brought food along to share and a barbecue lunch was enjoyed by all.
A highlight was a surprise birthday cake for Patrick Logan who turned 17 and had the gathered throng, including the Ecopella choir sing him Happy Birthday.
"I am so happy to be here" Aunty Carol said. "This is a wonderful occasion to be with so many people to share in this way. You are an inspiration to us for what you have done and achieved over the years from such things as the Sorry Books, The Koori Flagraising and Mirror Flash and next week the Community Art Project to celebrate 50 years since the 1967 Referendum."
Jo Goulding from South West Sydney Local Health District attended to provide information on health services across the district, especially the food security program.
Mr Leevers said there were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Southern Highlands community who were members of the Stolen Generations.
“Some came through the Mittagong Farm Homes or Renwick; others have been adopted into local families, some came to reconnect with their extended families, others have moved here of their own accord. Many still suffer ongoing effects from their removal.
"We only hope and trust that our effort to commemorate their lives has helped in a little way. There is much more still to be done. Thanks to the Healing Foundation for their grant that enabled this event."
The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families. For more information visit www.healingfoundation.org.au
