A Statement of Reconciliation
The Salvation Army and Australia's Indigenous People

(1997, ISSUED BY BOTH SALVATION ARMY TERRITORIES IN AUSTRALIA)

As this nation approaches the year 2001, we are given a most significant opportunity to move together in reconciliation with our original Australians.  It is time to repent of the past and nurture a new beginning.  Let us, therefore, open our heart and our hands to this purpose, seeking a unity before God in a spirit of true fellow-citizenship.

WE RECOGNISE:

  1. That Australia's indigenous people have sustained grievous and unacceptable discrimination throughout these latter years of their vast history - as from the time of white settlement.
     
  2. That the original inhabitants of this land have been denied the full extent of their birthright in terms of personal dignity, adequate health, and a place to "grow".
     
  3. That the nation has not adequately addressed the issues which give rise to the custody of some aboriginal people, nor the full impact of such custody on those concerned.
     
  4. That, all to often, good intention and integrity of purpose by Australian governments have been negated by a failure to acknowledge the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, to consult with them in the decision making processes, and to understand the cultures and customs which impact upon legislation passed "in their best interests". The separation of indigenous children from their families is a case in point.

WE AFFIRM:

  1. The right of ALL Australians to harmonious, peaceful co-existence, free from stigma, discrimination, and racism.
     
  2. The right of ALL Australians to maintain cultural identity within the wider Australian community and law.
     
  3. The right of Aboriginal people to regard their affinity with the land as sacred and, where possible, to secure native titles.
     
  4. The right of ALL Australians to the dignity of citizenship, provision of adequate health care, equality in educational standards and facilities, opportunity to full employment, availability of adequate housing, the sense of belonging to "community".

WE PLEDGE:

  1. To listen to the voice of suffering, rejection, loss and despair, to acknowledge past failures, and to resolve to work together for the good of all Australians.
     
  2. To learn from our past, and to activate an effective response to equality, marginalisation, and discrimination.
     
  3. To endorse cultural identity, to be enriched by it and to encourage the full expression of same.
     
  4. To encourage a respect that is mutual, a harmony that is healing, and seek a joint commitment to work together towards the achievement of the reconciliation of our peoples.
     
  5. To respect the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and to encourage this heritage to be valued and utilised effectively as an integral part of Australia's shared wealth.
     
  6. To aid our indigenous people in their struggle against racism in its every guise and to be accepted in their own right as citizens of this land.

    We will work together towards the healing of the wounds of the past and promote the ideals expressed in this statement as we move towards a shared future in the ongoing reconciliation process.