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OTA’s Vision for Reconciliation on display at OT Exchange, Melbourne
Lea Rawlings, OTA Chief of Staff
The end of National Reconciliation Week 2022 coincided with OT Exchange and provided the ideal backdrop and timing for OTA to provide members, delegates, board members and staff with the opportunity to embrace the theme of Be Brave, Make Change.
Following an inspirational keynote address from Nova Peris, an interview with Dr Faye McMillan AM, and Acknowledgement of Country by Alex Splitt, Bundyi Girri Consulting, the scene was set for self-reflection. This inspired all to think about developing sovereign relationships First Nations peoples and their own reconciliation path.
Members and staff – yarning Emu Members sitting in Reconciliation space
Delegates were invited to share their vision for reconciliation and to have a yarn about the possibilities and actions that lay ahead – whilst also engaging in the occupation of “yarn bombing” our “emu totem”.
An appearance by co-author of Doing our Best, Uncle Albert Baxter, did book signings,
opportunities for collaborations and investigate professional development in cultural safety and responsiveness. We have been enriched and privileged by these interactions and will set the foundation for the next phases of our approach to reconciliation.
and yarning about his experience with occupational therapy in tough times, which provided another unique experience.
It was inspirational to see our members and delegates sit and chat with our guests in this Reconciliation space, to consider their own reconciliation journeys, discuss
Nova Peris in reconciliation space – talking with members
