National Sorry Day 26 May 2020

The 26 May is National Sorry Day. This is a photo of my Nanna Lorna Jard, and her sister Vera Tyson (nee Mitchell). They are standing there with my Dad, Barry. When asked about her family my Nanna drew out her family tree on an A4 piece of paper. There were the names of her brothers and sisters, and the dates of birth that were given to them or estimated. She wrote the names of Rosie and Doris, both of which they would be separated from. Rosie from a young death, and Doris who was taken away because of the colour of her skin. Doris was one of the Stolen Aboriginal children. They would only remember of her that she was taken to Sydney for servitude (slave labour) as a child, and would be heard of in America, and then in Sydney again. Many of you know our girls Kaiya and Kirra, Kaiya is of very fair skin, but in fact both would have been taken away. Kaiya for sure. The pain is unfathomable. There is no one on this planet besides Michael and I that could love our children more. My Great Aunty Doris was one of far too many. They were stolen children for essentially slavery (of which this country's economy is built on) and to kill out a race of people by 'thinning out' the DNA in their blood so you can colonise their country. If you live in this country you are benefiting from that legacy. If you celebrate ANZACS then you should also see the benefits in your life are also due to atrocities. Today is about empathy, compassion, and starts with saying sorry. To all those beautiful babies who were taken away from their families I hope you find peace.

If it's not a day of sadness and reflection for you then it might be something that you need to read about. There is so much education out there, immerse yourself in it. Take a walk in someone's story. #Sorry #NationalSorryDay

My Nanna Lorna Jard

This is my Nanna, Lorna Jard nee Mitchell. Her birthday was 29th November 1918 and I was going to wait until her Birthday to share this photo. She taught herself to read, and count. She was denied an education so she fought for one for me. She believed in education, a strong work ethic, fought for human rights, and advocated for the next generation. She is a major contributor to the fact that I have choices, a degree, a career, a great life partner, a love of politics, and she has influenced my how I love my children. She was one in a long line of matriarchs. I think of her often and she inspires me every day, particularly the tough ones. She was a fierce intellect, and she loved just as intensely. I am grateful everyday for her and my Mum and Dad. If actions speak louder than words than I hope my life choices make her proud. Nanna is wearing glasses and holding a sheet of paper, and my cousin Karen Mitchell is also pictured (standing behind, and to the right of the girl in the white dress. 

Acknowledgement of Country

I am writing here from Brisbane, Australia, and I would like to acknowledge the Qandamooka people of Winnam (Wynnum). I would like to thank them for the care and custodianship they have invested in this area for thousands, and thousands of years. I would like to acknowledge their elders, past, present, and emerging. It is through the wisdom and sacrifice of all of our elders in this country, that has afforded me the human rights, and privileges I have today.

I would like to acknowledge my Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) ancestors who have shared with me their bloodline and culture, through my Dad, Barry Jard, my Nana Lorna Jard (nee Mitchell), and her mother before her Lucy Mitchell. I also acknowledge my Pop, William Jard, who did not grow up knowing his bloodlines.  

We don’t have the name of Pop (Willie) Jard’s group, but he came from far North Queensland, around the area of Mission Beach.  He is thought to be a member of the Birra Nation.

I thank our elders for the care of the land, skies, oceans, and waterways.

My purpose here to write about family. As with every family our stories will be of the past, and of the present. As with every family, our traditions, grow, and change, with some remaining the same. My hope is that future generations can draw on this as a reference, but also to reinforce their sense of identity, and connection to us. We are a small family, but scattered across Australia. My dream to one day have all of my family together in a big gathering, especially so my children can meet their cousins. Until then, see you in this space.

The photo is of my Pop and Nanna, with my Aunty Florence (Flo), and her baby boy Alan Murphy at Pop and Nanna’s house at 93 South Street, Depot Hill, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.

Please note that in sharing these stories, there will be images of those no longer with us.