Vision for Reconciliation

  Barker College is located on the lands of the Dharug people. Darkinjung Barker is located on the lands of the Darkinjung people. Ngarralingayil Barker is located on the lands of the Wonnarua people.

We honour the traditional custodians of Australia and seek to understand the complete story of this ancient continent. We uphold the right of Indigenous Australians to live, preserve and pass on their culture, language, law and lore.

Reconciliation requires a new relationship together with respect.
Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM
Eastern Anmatjere/Eastern Arrente Elder

Reconciliation involves acknowledging the past, connecting in the present and inspiring the future. At Barker College and Darkinjung Barker, our vision is to uphold, celebrate and promote the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our society. We create opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in all aspects of our community and the life of the School. We incorporate the perspective of Indigenous Australians into each classroom. We educate our students about First Nation peoples, creating respect for and an understanding of their culture. We hope for a future in which Australia’s First Peoples have self-determination, equal opportunity, and are empowered to maintain their cultural identity.

The Bible guides us in the way we relate to all people:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.
Mark 12:30-31

Therefore, at Barker, we listen, we learn and we reflect.

We respect the voice of Indigenous Australians and demonstrate commitment to listening and finding new ways to walk together as one.

We hear the story of Indigenous Australia with compassion, we recognise and share in the pain and anguish of Indigenous people, and celebrate the triumph of maintaining culture in the face of adversity.

We have the courage to accept past wrongdoings and to work for a nation in which all people and cultures can thrive.

We display integrity in our dealings with Indigenous people, and seek to be guided by, and walk alongside, those from First Nation communities.

We seek to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous people and communities.

The Barker community is grateful for the contributions of Indigenous people to Australian society, past and present. We respect Indigenous peoples’ connection to and knowledge of Country, and with inquiring minds, we learn from the richness of Indigenous culture and understanding of Country. We apply rhetoric to determine ways in which we can serve Indigenous people, communities and the environment.