On May 26, National Sorry Day, the newly-formed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation honoured the people and organisations that have encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on their journeys of healing. The Foundation’s chairperson, Florence Onus, said, “The Foundation has just announced our first round of funding for community healing programs to deliver services that will assist individuals, families and the community in the healing process.”

On Sorry Day, the Foundation acknowledged the contribution the National Sorry Day Committee and the Stolen Generations Alliance had made to progress the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our people. Ms Onus said, “the national Apology was one step in the healing journey of our people. Let’s use Sorry Day to talk about, encourage, and promote further steps on our journeys.”

The Healing Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have suffered the impact of colonisation, past policies, and forced removal - commonly known as ‘The Stolen Generations’. Ms Onus said, “The Foundation is a grass-roots movement about healing our people who suffer intergenerational trauma and pain inflicted upon us from past generations to the present.” She said, “Healing has the capacity to restore our people to strong spirit, strong culture – a strong people.”

“Many of our people have been stripped of their identity, family and culture. Healing comes in many forms and it’s about empowering our people to regain their self worth and self esteem as a person.”

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation extends an invitation to community to attend the first National Healing Gathering called ‘Let’s Talk Healing’ to be held in Townsville from 25 to 27 June 2010. Hosted by James Cook University, the Gathering will provide an opportunity for community people to come and meet a diverse range of healing program workers and discuss how their programs may be adopted within communities. Details and all documents for Funding Applications and the National Healing Gathering can be accessed on the web on www.healingfoundation.org.au