The annual day is held to remember the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Aunty Cheryl Penrith knows all too well the pain passed down as a result of the Stolen Generation.

“Two of my nan's sister got removed and they never came back,” she said.

“It’s about healing our past to build our future and how we need to accept and understand it’s not just Aboriginal people's history but everybody's.” 

Aunty Cheryl said the day was so significant because what happened finally became part of the acknowledged truth. 

“I grew up in Tumut and the Cootamundra Girls’ Home was just there and we didn't know anything about that,” she said. 

“The messages that you got told were formulated and it's important to remember days like this so we can we remember the impact. 

“We remember that this happened so that it never happens again.” 

Aunty Cheryl said one of the great aspects of healing that is starting to emerge is the revival of culture and language. 

“I completed the course in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage,” she said.

“We have got the Wiradjuri concept of ‘Yindyamarra’ which is the concept of respect. 

“It’s respecting yourself, respecting others and respecting the country and having a safe space where you can talk about past history and policies.”

Aunty Cheryl said the community should look to the future, not just for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for the whole community. 

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