Torres Strait Islander Author Samantha Faulkner to deliver Acknowledgment of Country at Archdiocesan Assembly
Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal author, Samantha Faulkner
The Archdiocesan Assembly is a valuable opportunity to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and share their wisdom and culture, according to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal author, Samantha Faulkner.
Samantha, from Badu and Moa Islands in the Torres Strait and the Yadhaigana and Wuthathi peoples of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, will deliver the Acknowledgment of Country at this week’s gathering.
“I am very honoured to do this – an Acknowledgement of Country is an important part of Reconciliation,” she said.
“I was taught by Tyronne Bell to say the AoC in Ngunnawal language, and I will do that on Friday evening.”
Samantha said she hoped the Assembly would encourage support and engagement with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture has been in place for over 60,000 years in Australia and is the oldest surviving culture in the world, she said.
“There is much to learn from one another and share with one another,” she said.
Samantha’s interest in the Assembly was sparked after she spoke at the Reconciliation roundtable earlier this year.
“For the Archdiocese to represent the community, it should reflect the diversity of the community,” she said.
“Walking together opens the door and invites all the community to be engaged. It shows that we are not alone as individuals. We have a shared journey and pathway together to a shared goal or destination.”
Samantha said she hoped to meet everyone at the gathering, although with hundreds of participants registered, she admitted it could be an ambitious goal.
“I hope that the space created will be a safe one where all individuals are invited to share their thoughts and opinions and that everyone sees themselves reflected in the Assembly report,” she said.
“A seat at the table is important for everyone to have a say.”