La Trobe University hosted and paid tribute to Sorry Day on Thursday night with a sunset ceremony.
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The Dja Dja Warrrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation facilitated event included a smoking ceremony, a memorial and traditional songs.
Racquel Kerr spoke at the ceremony while and Jason Kerr played the didgeridoo.
La Trobe University Indigenous support officer Mishel McMahon said the sunset ceremony was a good thing to apply to Sorry Day.
“From research about Dja Dja Wurrung and other tribes around Victoria, the word sunset was similar to word for ancestors,” she said.
“They believe at sunset the ancestors’ presence was stronger so it was a good time to hold important meetings.”
Ms McMahon said the smoking ceremony was an important aspect to the Sorry Day event.
“People go through the smoking ceremony to cleanse their negative thoughts and fears,” she said.
“Sorry Day has always been a very important day.”
Reconciliation Week begins on Friday with a number events set to be held throughout Bendigo.
“I think people should be considering the policies that caused children to be removed, adopted or taken from their traditional Aboriginal families,” Ms McMahon said.
“For the era of the Stolen Generation it was very concerning. In Victoria, Indigenous children are 14 times more likely to be involved in child protection than non-Indigenous children.”