The soil beneath my feet,
is the same soil the Elders
once stood upon.
The wind echoes their whispers,
telling their stories,
dancing their dances,
and exploring the land
they still called home.
This soil
isn’t just what lies beneath my feet,
this soil lives, breathes, and follows
the years of traditions
alongside the Elders.
These same Elders once
taught, learnt, and shared
on this soil beneath my feet.
The soil we use now to
share their stories,
remember their bravery,
and uphold the legacies they built
while learning their way of life.
The sophisticated agriculture systems
working in their natural rhythms
to form the land
and shape this country.
This soil, once Terra Nullius,
unrightfully claimed,
now bringing people together
and sharing the battles
fought by those who came before us,
bringing stewardship upon this soil.
Through the spirit of these Elders
we unite on
Dharug Country.
Charlotte K. (year 9)
My poem is about the soil we live on being the very same soil our Elders also once stood upon and owned. In my poem I reflect on how our Elders once lived and how we follow their traditions and way of life. Through the repetition of soil I show how we feed connection, sharing stories and songs on the same soil our Elders have been telling stories and signing songs for hundreds of thousands of years before us.
Reconciliation means …
… reflecting on the treatment of Aboriginal peoples and coming together as a nation to ensure that what occurred in the past never happens again.
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: +61 255 031 926
94-96 Cooper Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
