True reconciliation begins with a deep and honest acknowledgment of the past. The history of Australia’s First Nations people is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. The Stolen Generations, the Frontier Wars, and the dispossession of land are not mere footnotes in history; they are lived experiences that continue to impact Indigenous communities today.
The healing process must start with listening—truly listening—to the stories of the First Nations people, understanding their pain, and recognizing the ongoing trauma that colonialism has inflicted. This listening is not passive; it requires non-Indigenous Australians to engage in uncomfortable conversations, to confront the realities of systemic racism, and to actively participate in the healing process.