The stage was set, students assembled, and guests seated.
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A sense of quiet anticipation, a readiness to listen.
The annual Notre Dame College National Reconciliation Week Assembly was about to begin.
But there was a backstory to what was about to happen.
A context to the words that were to follow.
The backstory was a trip to Winton Wetlands four weeks earlier. A commissioning of FIRE Carriers.
FIRE — Friends Igniting Reconciliation in Education — a program that began in 2009 as an initiative of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry to support reconciliation in Victorian Catholic schools.
A program that has, at its heart, the promotion of respect, fairness and inclusion for First Nations people in education.
A FIRE Carrier can be a student or a staff member. Someone who shares a passion for learning about First Nations culture and history. Someone who is committed to sharing this knowledge. Someone who steps into the space promoting reconciliation within and beyond their school community.
So, on a glorious autumn day in late April, a group of Notre Dame students and staff were welcomed to Winton Wetlands for the College’s FIRE Carrier commissioning with the words “Gulpa gaka woka” spoken by Yorta Yorta woman and cultural officer Nikki James.
Welcomed to Mokoan, as it was known to Yorta Yorta people.
Mokoan: a bountiful place of plenty, a place of meeting, a place of deep significance and so many stories.
A place that encourages quiet reflection.
The gentle smoke of the fire drifted over those gathered as they received their FIRE Carrier badges.
They heard about the importance of listening and learning, of sometimes needing to unlearn what they thought to be true.
The importance of being leaders and sometimes needing to be courageous and speaking up.
They also experienced stories told in dance and artworks – traditions from an ancient culture still here today.
Four weeks later, in NRW, in front of Notre Dame College students and staff, once again the words “Gulpa Gaka Woka” were spoken by Nikki James.
This time they were offered to the whole school community, gathered in the college’s stadium, all listening respectfully
And then the link to that day, in April, at Mokoan.
The two school captains — Gracielle Igat and Will Clurey — both FIRE Carriers, stepped on to the stage.
In a clear, purposeful voice, Gracielle began.
“We thank the Aboriginal peoples who have cared for this land for over 65,000 years,” she said.
“Our school is on Yorta Yorta Country, and we respect the eight clans and 16 family groups who belong to this Nation.
“We promise to learn, listen and stand together with Aboriginal peoples as we work towards kindness, fairness and truth for everyone.”
Gracielle went on in a moving reflection of that day in April.
“Today, the wetlands remain standing,” she said.
“Just like the pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Its rich and proud history of repossession, engulfed within the roots of the trees, the hymn of the birds and the ripple of the waters.
“It is cared for again, by local Indigenous people helping protect and honour its culture and history.”
Then, with stillness in the stadium, it was Will’s turn.
“To drivers passing by, the wetlands does not appear too dissimilar to one you would imagine,” he said.
“A few trees spread across a vast grassland plane, with flora and fauna flourishing in every possible direction.
“But, standing there, you realise it is so much more.
“Each scar tree still stands to tell its story, a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness in times of need.
“Each artwork speaks to the journey of 15 Yorta Yorta artists, woven together to share their culture and truth.
“Each animal, cyclically coming back to rest, to hunt, to rejuvenate.
“The wind whispering the hymns of the thousands of Indigenous peoples who have walked this land before us.”
Linking back to that day in April, Will continued, his clear voice conveying deep conviction.
“This badge (the FIRE Carrier badge) I wear means more than what meets the eye,” he said.
“Worn on my left, close to my heart. It represents a sense of continuity. Recognition. The urge to come together. To share. To listen. And to do better.
“Being a FIRE Carrier isn’t just a role, it's a promise. A promise to listen deeply, to speak up when it matters, and to create space for truth and healing.
“We all still have so much to learn. So much to unlearn. So much more to understand.”
And then, to all who were in that stadium, came the invitation.
“So, in the light of reconciliation, I invite you to open your eyes. Open your ears. And most importantly, open your hearts,” Will said.
“Because healing starts now, with you, and your actions.
“Let’s walk together with courage, compassion and commitment. Understanding that reconciliation is not a moment, it’s a movement.”
It was an assembly to remember.
Reconciliation column