Reconciliation News August 2011

We discuss Constitutional recognition, the Larrakia Petition and AFL in the reconciliation game, and how it contributes to reconciliation by the administration’s encouragement and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.

In this edition, you’ll read about:

  • Constitutional recognition; following the 2008 apology to the stolen generation could formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution be the next step?
  • Refocusing after National Reconciliation Week
  • The Larrakia petition restored; a reminder of the continuing effort to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples land rights restored by the National Archives for National Reconciliation Week.
  • AFL contribution to reconciliation with high representation and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
Cover of Reconciliation News magazine August 2011

Reconciliation News August 2011 File size: 760 KB

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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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