My regrets at not inquiring more closely when I traveled through Cherokee country in 2008 were compounded when reading this novel by Charles Frazier. His protagonist is Will Cooper, all but abandoned as an orphan at the age of 12. In his role as a bound boy running a remote trading post, Will finds himself adopted by the fading remnants ofContinue reading “Thirteen Moons: a book review”
Category Archives: reconciliation
It’s now three years since saying sorry…
What has it meant? If it has been a grudging acknowledgement in order to relieve the pressure of a collective nagging and vague sense of guilt, not much at all. If it has been an empty vocalisation in order to finally silence, irritating and scolding voices we’d rather not hear – then zilch. If itContinue reading “It’s now three years since saying sorry…”
Saying sorry – the continuing journey
The third anniversary of the Australian government’s Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is rapidly approaching (13th February). What of substance has occurred since then? A bi-partisan response to the audit presented to federal parliament this week, Closing the Gap, revealed some challenges, unfulfilled intentions and a degree of frustration on all sides.Continue reading “Saying sorry – the continuing journey”
Why Wattle Day should be our national day – Eureka Street
Paul Newbury argues for wattle as a potentially powerful unifying symbol for the journey of reconciliation in Australia. Why not move our national day to September 1st – Wattle Day? Why Wattle Day should be our national day – Eureka Street.
Wondering Pilgrim 