Reconciliation in Action
By Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
On Wednesday, Radford College launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP is a formal commitment to reconciliation through strengthening relationships, fostering respect, and embracing opportunities. You can read the RAP here. Key parts of the RAP include Wiradjuri artist Jodie Munday’s artist statement, the College's Reconciliation Vision, and the commitments Radford has made.
The RAP launch was a wonderful occasion. The Collegians Centre was full as students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, staff, family members, and members of the Canberra community gathered to celebrate the launch of this important document in the life of the College.
The scene was set as Duncan Smith OAM and Jakida Smith from Wiradjuri Echoes played the yidaki (the traditional name for a type of didgeridoo) and clapsticks, drawing us into ancient rhythms.
Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan gave a generous Welcome to Country, making a connection with Children’s Week and the hope for a shared future. Aunty Violet also extended an invitation to Rock for Reconciliation, an event for the entire Canberra community.
Student leaders Josh, Madeleine, Fraser, and Lexi hosted the ceremony while also sharing what reconciliation means to them and why it is important.
Radford College Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury, reinforced the importance of an integrated, meaningful, and holistic approach to reconciliation.
Brooke Prentis, a Wakka Wakka woman, Aboriginal Christian Leader, and Educational Consultant, spoke about being an advisor for the RAP. She challenged us not to give up on reconciliation and to look for opportunities for fun, connection, and growth.
Radford College Aboriginal Artist in Residence, Jodie Munday, whose collaborative artwork Yirrayirra Miyagan Mumbal (Bush Family Blossoms) appears on the cover of the RAP, spoke about reconciliation as walking with each other with humility, hope, and respect. The artworks are inspired by the trees after which the Radford Houses are named. Students sat in their House groups for the launch, creating a vibrant sea of colour.
The Vivace and Camerata Choirs sang a moving rendition of Inanay, arranged by Yorta Yorta woman Dr Lou Bennett. The choirs then led the singing as everyone stood to perform Anthem of the Desert Pea, with words by Rev. Hazel Davies from Making Peas/ce and music by Ms OJ Rushton from the OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service. This song uses the image of the poppy and the Sturt Desert Pea – two memorial flowers. As we remember those who have died in wars on behalf of Australia on foreign soil, we also remember First Nations people killed in the frontier wars in Australia. Singing together was an act of truth-telling and reconciliation.
The ceremony included a prayer for God’s help as we implement the Reconciliation Action Plan and a blessing written especially for Radford College’s RAP launch by Brooke Prentis.
An Aboriginal Blessing of Truth, Compassion and Wisdom
May the mountains and hills that surround us,
remind us of Ancient Ways—
calling us into Truth,
to live gently with God and all Creation.
May the clapsticks’ ancient sound that moves us,
remind us of our Heartbeat—
calling us to Compassion,
to love all our neighbours as we love ourselves.
May the land, waters, and trees that hold us,
remind us of our Spirit—
calling us to Wisdom,
to listen deeply and walk humbly with God.
So now,
With Humanity and Creation woven together,
With the love and friendship of Community,
With Truth, Compassion, and Wisdom,
Go in Grace, Mercy, and Peace.
Amen.
@brookeprentis.official
The celebration continued at lunchtime as students and staff enjoyed an energetic and exuberant concert by Wiradjuri performer Uncle Johnny Huckle.
My hope and prayer are that this Reconciliation Action Plan will bear much fruit for all members of the Radford community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, as we strengthen relationships, foster respect and embrace opportunities.