Reconciliation
One of the key strategic initiatives of Brisbane Catholic Education's Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is for BCE to continue the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Journey by developing and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). BCE recognises the importance of listening to the voices of our First Nations People and working towards reconciliation.
Reconciliation Australia has identified five dimensions of reconciliation: Unity, Race Relations, Equality and Equity, Institutional Integrity and Historical Acceptance.
The creation of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) can contribute to advancing the five dimensions of reconciliation within an organisation by encouraging the development of respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Brisbane Catholic Education Reconciliation Action Plan
The Story Behind the BCE Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork
This artwork is more than just a painting, it has a story. Central to the artwork is a large cross; symbolic of the heartbeat of Brisbane Catholic Education’s vision, mission and identity as a Catholic Christian faith community manifested through the life, mission and gospel stories of Jesus.
In the centre of the cross is a large circular layered design representative of Brisbane Catholic Education’s staff to include our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters. Staff members gathering together to share perspectives, learn and develop effective ways and means of bringing systemic collective action to life on our journey towards authentic reconciliation.
Extending from the centre circle to the outer arms of the cross are numerous message sticks carrying guidelines, resources and action plans to encourage and support staff, students, offices and whole school communities in ways to genuinely recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, perspectives, histories and cultures.