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A statement of regret and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families |
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ECA position statement: A statement of regret and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
Early Childhood Australia (ECA) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original inhabitants of Australia and recognises their culture as part of the cultural heritage of all Australians.
We regret the loss of family, cultural identity, lands and waters, languages and communities by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that resulted from the invasion of Australia by peoples from other places. In particular we acknowledge the findings and support the recommendations of Bringing them home, the report of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission Inquiry into the Stolen Generation.
We are sorry for the ongoing suffering and loss experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.
We are committed to reconciliation, and recognise:
- the significance of the home cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to their developing identity and sense of self-worth
- the need for communities, environments, services and interactions to positively reflect and promote these identities and cultures, and to support their growth in new generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- the importance of all Australians knowing and understanding the histories and current realities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the need for all Australian children to grow up in a society that acknowledges and addresses this past and present.
To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, Early Childhood Australia will:
- actively seek involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all aspects of ECA activities by:
- promoting the benefits of ECA membership and inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join the organisation
- developing reciprocal links with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, with a charter that includes advocacy and action on issues including young children and their families.
- actively challenge insensitive and biased attitudes, practices and behaviours by:
- ensuring that current and future practices, publications and policies throughout the organisation are respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, acknowledge current realities and are proactive in supporting Reconciliation
- including social justice and Reconciliation issues in ECA’s media campaigns and by public comment on relevant issues and events
- sponsoring awareness-raising activities such as reading groups, guest speakers, research reviews, inservice training and newsletter articles.
- actively promote this commitment to all ECA members in all Branches around Australia and encourage them to fulfil it.
This commitment will be revisited each year at ECA’s National Council meeting to evaluate progress, and for review and modification as necessary.
Ratified October 2004
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Last Updated ( Friday, 01 August 2008 )
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