Tales of shipwrecks, battles and good make up the history of our region and will be told from both indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives during a reconciliation-focused event at The J Theatre from 8.30am to 1pm today.
Our Shared History seminar will focus on encounters between indigenous people and explorers, convicts and seafarers in South East Queensland from 1770 and the 1850s.
Event coordinator Meredith Walker said up until recently history lessons in Australian schools tended to centre on European experiences in Australia.
This seminar hosted by the Shared History committee of the Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group, will convey a more well-rounded understanding of the European invasion and settlement and the experience of First Nations’ peoples, she said.
“A lot of Australians don’t realise the impact dispossession has had on Indigenous people and these seminars are just one way we can bring the community together to inspire an ongoing process of reconciliation.
Ms Walker said the seminar would explore how First Nations people learned about the European visitors and responded with help, care and goodwill. She said the stories were both heart-warming and tragic.
“Our speakers will also describe encounters between the Butchulla and Kabi Kabi people and the survivors of the shipwrecked Stirling Castle (1836) and Thomas King (1852).”
Presenters include Kabi Kabi traditional owner Kerry Jones, Butchulla man and multimedia professional Luke Barrowcliffe, artist and educator John Waldron, historian Dr Ray Kerkhove of Griffith University, Sunshine Beach author Robin Wells and author Libby Connors of the University of Southern Queensland.
Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group is supported by grants from the Noosa Shire Council and the Sunshine Coast Council.
Tickets cost between $25 and $35 and include morning tea and a light lunch.
For more information visit oursharedhistory.eventbrite.com.au or contact Maggie Ross on maggie.ross@bigpond.com or 0432 853 998.
