Oak Flats High marks ‘sorry’ day

Students and teachers at Oak Flats High School commemorated last week’s Parliamentary apology to the stolen generations with a moving ceremony at the school on Thursday.

Special guest was Richard Davis, son of local esteemed Aboriginal elder and advocate Aunty Mary Davis, who passed away last year.

The school’s 52 koori students painted their faces with the Aboriginal flag for the event, with Indigenous student Korey Studmar playing the didgeridoo in front of the school.

Koori students Corina Button, Steven Hans and Toni Alcock and SRC president Mitchell Simpson spoke during the ceremony.

“The apology by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was really well received by our people,” Corina said.

“Our culture and way of life is given recognition, our heritage can begin to rebuild, our stories can be happy again, we can now tell our children with pride that we are the traditional owners of this land.”

“The significant step was watched by millions, but it is personal to each Aboriginal person,” Steven said.

“Now from here we heal together, move forward together, and ensure this wrong is never repeated in history again.

“We are proud people and we hold our heads high.”

Oak Flats High School principal Col Harris said the students watch the apology live.

“It was very good and allowed them to really reflect on it,” he said.