While we reflect today on what happened with the 2023 referendum and how people felt at the time, there is a sense of momentum, resilience and willingness by so many to look to the future, including supporting the next generation of leaders who will carry the torch of self determination, voice, treaty and truth. The Edmund Rice Centre stands with you in solidarity and hope for the future.

28^th Sunday of the Year

God of peace and life,

speak to the hearts of those responsible

for the fate of peoples,

stop the `logic' of revenge and retaliation,

with your Spirit suggest new solutions,

generous and honorable gestures,

room for dialogue and patient waiting

which are more fruitful than

the hurried deadlines of war.

John Paul II [adapted for gender sensitivity]

Last Thursday, our Director 'Alopi Latukefu met with Professor Peter Yu to discuss next steps in the Murru Waaru agenda on First Nations economic empowerment and the implementation of the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart and what role the Edmund Rice Centre might play in future with its work with First Nations. Professor Yu apart from his current role as head of the First Nations Portfolio has had a storied career promoting and prosecuting the rights of First Nations in Australia whether labour, land, political or economic. His early work in Noonkanbah and with the Kimberley Land Council is part of a generational wisdom and experience that should not only be celebrated but learned from by the next generation.