Art exhibition keeps reconciliation fire burning
News
The theme chosen to mark the Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle’s 2024 NAIDOC Week Exhibition was ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.’
The creative event, held at Mary MacKillop College in July, attracted entries from 85 Rostrevor College and Mary MacKillop College students. The quality was high and the pieces thoughtful.
An Honourable mention went to Isabella’s piece.
“The theme captured and symbolised our relationships with each other and with country that we hear in the Tjilbruke dreaming that recognises the hidden fire of Kaurna country, and in ourselves, that comes from the fire of the Creator Spirit,” said Dr Susan Pollard rsj, chairperson of the Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle.
“We see that ‘fire’ in past Elders and in present leaders like artist Nikki Carabetta of the Yamaji Nation and Malak-Malak from the Northern Territory.”
The Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle was founded in 2003 by Sisters Christine Rowan, Michele Madigan and the late Dr Aunty Alitya (Alice) Rigney AO. The larger Circle meets monthly at Kensington and has an unwavering focus on solidarity, justice, advocacy and reconciliation.
“The goal was, and is, ongoing collaboration with First Nations People by supporting their initiatives, honouring important events that also enrich us as a nation,” Sr Susan said.
“We continue to take a political stance to help address the inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination that we know exists in areas like health, education, housing, incarceration and life opportunities.”
Aboriginal artist and judge Nikki Carrabetta, Sharon Howson (Mary MacKillop College staff and member of the Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle), Cressida O’Hanlon (Local Member for Dunstan), Mary MacKillop College students Ashlyn and Chiara, and Robert Bria (Mayor of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters).
The exhibition was inspired by the Josephite Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, 2023-2025 which urges Josephites and all Australians to demonstrate and deepen respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The subcommittee, including Sharon Howson, Cathy Teakle and Sisters Kenise Neill and Maryellen Thomas drove the celebration. Geoff Aufderheide, Education advisor at Catholic Education South Australia, compered the event and artist Nikki Carabetta judged the entries.
First place was awarded to Year 9 Mary MacKillop College student Ashlyn, second place to Jade, and third place to Chiara. Honourable mentions also went to Tyannah, Isabella and Rostrevor College student Isaiah.
“We want reconciliation to be at the heart of how we live in respectful relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, growing in cultural understanding and desiring real change now,” Sr Susan said.
“We see that expressed in the art pieces by the amazing students who contributed their creative work and the hopeful perspective shared by Social Justice Captains, Scarlett and Isabelle.”
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