Reconciliation News: May 2022

The edition of reconciliation news brings you stories of courage, resilience and determination and urges us all to make change through brave action in our daily lives.

This edition’s cover features Naomi Moran, general manager of the Koori Mail, highlighting her brave leadership in directing relief efforts when floods devastated Bundjalung Country in Northern NSW where the newspaper’s offices are based.

2022 marks 30 years since the Mabo decision, Meriam woman Nancia Guivarra reflects on her personal connection to Mer Island and the incredible people who changed land rights in Australia forever.

Bronwyn Carlson and Lynda-June Coe look back on fifty years of the Tent Embassy – the longest site of protest for Aboriginal land rights, sovereignty and self-determination in the world.

Other stories cover the barriers that stop First Nations people from getting into science, the historic Australian Convention and we introduce Dr. Blaze Kwaymullina – Reconciliation Australia’s newest board member.

Plus all the regular features – enjoy!

Reconciliation News magazine is published twice a year, in print and online. 

To read past editions or to sign-up to receive future hard copy issues of the magazine, go to the Reconciliation News page. 

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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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