They moved swiftly, across the night
Spears in their hands
Turning left and right
All throughout their lands
The country they once owned
Taken from them without warning
From which was never atoned
And since, we’ve caused global
warming
All the tears involved
So much pain and heartbreak
That hasn’t been resolved
They continued to take and take.
The men with brown boots
That destroyed their happy nation
Separated them from their family
Creating the stolen generation
Now we know their story
We understand it was wrong
This land their pride and glory
To which they have always belonged
This is their culture, their family
They continue to be proud
We should continue to be sorry
Equals we vowed
From river to sea
Our island home
Acceptance is key
We share together, our home.
We now come together
Their culture shall expand
Always was, always will be
Aboriginal land
Author’s statement:
This poem means that no matter how much we once denied it, some terrible things occurred. The hurt still remains and we can’t ignore what happened. Although we can not undo our history, we can make up for it. We need to acknowledge the ancient and unbroken connection Aboriginal people have with this land.
Reconciliation means…
To me, reconciliation means coming together. For Australia to rise as one, we
need to respect, appreciate and accept each other. Everyone is equal. Everyone needs equal rights. Everyone deserves an equal voice.
Author: Iris Hurst
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
Ground Floor 27 Cope St Redfern 2016
