Indigenous student achievement recognised
MORE than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students received scholarships for their leadership and academic achievements at USQ last week.
The scholarships were funded through the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) who worked closely with USQ to host the event on National Sorry Day.
National Sorry Day is a significant date remembering the stolen generation of children removed from their families and communities. Sorry Day is a time to acknowledge the contribution of Indigenous people in society and the next steps towards reconciliation.
In her address, USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Janet Verbyla acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Stolen Generation and emphasised USQ’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and respect for all Australians.
Sharon Kinchela, an Aboriginal woman from the Stolen Generation, delivered a moving speech, reflecting on her past and the importance of taking every opportunity and making the most of it.
Ms Kinchela said sharing her story, although tragic, was not to make people feel guilty but to reflect on our history so we learn for the future.
“I want to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students strive through diversity and make a difference as the next leaders in our country,” Ms Kinchela said.
USQ College of Indigenous Studies, Education, and Research’s (CISER) Phillip Dreise gave the Acknowledgement of Country.
“We gather each year on May 26 to remember the past policies of forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, and the ongoing impact that the Stolen Generations has on each and every one of us,” he said.
“It is also a day to commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, and celebrate our survival, culture and community.”
Professor Cindy Shannon from the QATSIF board thanked USQ for hosting the event.
“QATSIF events are always wonderful celebrations but National Sorry Day is a more sombre one because of the pain and suffering endured as a result of past Government policies,” she said.
QATSIF has awarded more than 3500 Queensland Certificate of Education scholarships to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in more than 230 high schools across the state.
USQ facilitated the event with funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnership Program (HEPPP) to improve the access, participation and success of students from communities under-represented in higher education.
It is also a day to commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, and celebrate our survival, culture and community. — Phillip Dreise