At BUC, we are mindful that our buildings, indeed our whole culture and society, is built on the dispossession of Aboriginal people – in this case, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.
Goals of our First Nations Focus: – A Focus on:
- Acknowledging First Nations’ lore, custom and ceremony in their understanding of the Eternal Spirit;
- Deep listening and learning from First Nations peoples;
- Acting in allyship and solidarity to advocate for the rights of First Nations peoples;
- Responding to Christ’s call for justice, reconciliation and care of the land;
- Supporting BUC Church Council in their journey with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Council Inc (Wurundjeri Corp);
- Reflecting on our own privilege and our part in all forms of racism;
- Learning and unlearning as we educate ourselves, BUC and the wider community.
Balk line
Since installing the Wurundjeri Acknowledgement Sculpture in 2010, as part of the renovation of our buildings and grounds, we have grown into the regular use of the words of acknowledgement in liturgy and meetings:
“We acknowledge and respect the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, the traditional custodians of this land since time immemorial. We are learning that the land is not ours to own, but to look after; and that if we listen, we may hear in it the calling of the eternal Spirit. Responding to this call, we commit ourselves to work for justice, reconciliation, and care of the earth.”
First Nations Focus
The vision and mission statement of the Uniting Church in Victoria & Tasmania begins “Following Christ, walking together as First and Second Peoples…” In this spirit, BUC has formed the First Nations Focus (formerly “Walking Together” group) to learn, reflect, pray and act together on our relationship with First Peoples.
Find out why we changed our name.
Our group is taking a period of reflection and sabbatical.
Our next meeting will be 30th September in person.
If you’d like to join us, visit our Facebook Group or contact Claire Foley or Jenne Perlstein.
Brunswick UC also maintains a connection through volunteers with the Indigenous Hospitality House, a residential community that offers short term accommodation to Aboriginal families needing medical treatment in Melbourne.
