On Monday July 22 Carmel Fraser, Laura Ridley and I attended the Kildare Ministries First Nations Forum. Representatives from Kildare Ministries schools around Australia attended the forum to discuss how we can continue to build our understanding of Indigenous culture and history.

We began the day with an acknowledgement of country and a reflection on how we can be enablers of justice.

Professor Anne Pattel -Gray presented to the group and in her discussions called the attendees to be courageous, prophetic and transformative. She asked us to think of how we can empower others in the community to understand and hear the voices of First Nations people. The forum explored the tangible expressions of compassion, such as active listening, demonstrating solidarity, and taking consistent, compassionate actions.

We discussed our Kildare Ministries Living Justice Living Peace Charter to prompt how we can explore the wonders of First Nations culture, knowledge and spirituality and how we can lead with courage and live with compassion recognising our common humanity and dignity of all.

The Kildare Ministries First Nations Forum highlighted the importance of wonder, courage and compassion in our journey as educators towards justice and equity. By embracing the wonders of First Nations culture, leading with unwavering courage, and living with heartfelt compassion, we can create a society that honours and uplifts all.

We look forward to our next meeting to explore actions that can be implemented in our schools across Australia.

Clare Kelly

Assistant Principal: Performance and Development