The Rights of First Nations Peoples

In our short history in this ancient land the Province has been involved with different Indigenous communities: healthcare projects, schools in the Kimberley region, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, art and capacity-building projects. In recent years, a number of Sisters have engaged in ministry with First Nations peoples in Western Sydney, the Daly River region and through various community service and welfare organisations. Indigenous Rights are one of Catholic Religious Australia’s justice platforms supported by the Loreto Province and co-workers. 

A number of province ministries have a focus on working with First Nations communities. Mary Ward International Australia supports the Bourke Men’s Centre in partnership with CatholicCare in Bourke, New South Wales. Our Loreto schools honour their Indigenous heritage and spirituality through immersion programs and have partnerships with Aboriginal communities. They further educate Indigenous students and ensure that Indigenous perspectives are embedded across the curriculum. Our schools, boards and workplaces mark the following programs with pride: National Sorry Day, Close the Gap, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. Loreto workplaces are developing Reconciliation Action Plans in support of our First Nations people. In recent years Loreto has encouraged personal and communal reflection on the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Feature Image: Lua Pellegrini, Year 12, Loreto Normanhurst, HSC artwork ‘Our Past, Her Future’ explores the intimate relationship between herself, Wiradjuri culture and her niece, who is by kinship obligations, considered her daughter.