May 2026 marked the 29th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report, which endeavored to bring justice to Stolen Generation survivors.
Alongside this anniversary, Burgmann College was honoured to host Shannan Dodson (Yawuru), Chief Executive Officer of The Healing Foundation, to present our 2026 Annual Reconciliation Lecture.
To begin the evening, Noah Smith, Burgmann's inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advocate warmly welcomed everyone and acknowledged that this year our audience included many descendants of Bishop Ernest Henry Burgmann, the College’s namesake. Noah spoke about the significance of his advocacy role for inclusion and capacity building for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students living at Burgmann College, and that our Annual Reconciliation Lecture exists to foster understanding and dialogue about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences, particularly among the next generation of leaders.
Noah delivered an Acknowledgement of Country, extending respect to Dr Aunty Matilda House Williams OAM who was unable to attend. Noah acknowledged the Ngambri and Ngunnawal peoples, who have gathered, learned, and lived around what we now call Canberra for millennia, sharing that living on Country is a concept that encompasses not just the earth but rivers, buildings, and the bonds of community. In this spirit, Noah then invited the gathered audience to an evening of learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.
Shannan’s lecture then brought into sharp focus one of Australia's most painful chapters: the Stolen Generations, explaining the work the Healing Foundation does to support Stolen Generations survivors, amplify their voices in public and political life, and drive meaningful reform in services, policies, and healing programs.
Shannan spoke about the impact of forced removals and the work that is yet to be done to bring justice for Survivors. The lecture, however, was not only a reckoning with the past. It was a call forward. Reconciliation, Shannan made clear, is not something that happens in government chambers alone. It requires all of us learning the true history, supporting survivors, and advocating for the policy changes that remain overdue.
We warmly encourage you to listen to Shannan’s Lecture on our Youtube channel and consider what you can do to advocate for positive change for Stolen Generations survivors.
