It is very positive to see people across the country are willing to learn more about the history and plight of Australia’s First Nations people, according to Aboriginal leader Professor Tom Calma.
Professor Calma told Sky News it is very important for all Australians to understand why it is difficult for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to celebrate Australia Day on January 26.
“From the heart it’s really difficult to celebrate Australia Day on January 26 when it has different impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.
“From colonisation and all the intergenerational trauma that’s existed and the dispossession of land, and the dispossession of culture and language and so forth.
“On a positive side we’re seeing people all across the nation now being very prepared to learn a lot more since the National Apology, since reconciliation action plans got off the ground.
“We can’t overturn what went on in the past but it’s important that we do make sure our that our future is one that is positive”.
