These were the opening words of elder Bob Faulkner as a week of celebrations were officially opened in Peel St on Friday.

The theme of 25th Reconciliation Week, May 27 to June 3, is Our History, Our Story, Our Future. 

“Australia has a very long and strong Aboriginal history, and slowly but surely it is being recognised,” Mr Faulkner said. 

“But Reconciliation Week is for all people, not just the Aboriginal people.

“With everything happening in the world today, it is even more important than ever that we all understand we can keep our identity and still accept all people are different. From there we can move forward together.

“This is for all cultures to do, as we have to be careful we don’t ruin the future for everyone.”

Renowned didgeridoo artist Marc Atkins performed at the ceremony and he said he was happy to see the advances in the acknowledgement of the Kamilaroi culture in this region.

“There is still a way to go but our languages are being taught in schools now and I see the traditional names of the land on signs (around the region) which is important to keep us in touch with our history,” Mr Atkins said.  

The future of reconciliation was represented by paper hands created by students from Goodstart and Peter Pan Preschool’s that decorated the council’s Ray Walsh House forecourt. 

Those present at Friday’s event were cleansed with sandalwood smoke from a traditional smoking ceremony and treated to songs sung by the Tamworth Public School choir including We are Australian, sang in the Kamilaroi language. 

Reconciliation Week celebrations continued yesterday with local Aboriginal music, a smoking ceremony and an opportunity to visit the ABC NENW radio studio.

A screening of the movie directed by local man Ivan Sen, Mystery Road, will be held at the Forum 6 Cinema on Wednesday.