20 years ago the march for reconciliation walked across Sydney

On May 28, 2000, an impressive demonstration was organised in Sydney by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. It was attended by over 250,000 people.

Crowds streamed across the bridge to signify a desire to seek reconciliation with Indigenous Australians. Source: AAP

The purpose of the march, which crossed peacefully the Harbour Bridge, was to protest the refusal by the Australian federal government to formally apologise to Indigenous Peoples for the treatment suffered over the past 200 years since the beginning of British colonization. A formal apology came only in 2008 with the historic "Sorry" of the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Part of the Italian community also participated in the event and FILEF - Italian Federation of migrant workers and families - also set up a banner which read: Migrants for Aboriginal Rights. Frank Panucci, a member of FILEF, was present at that event and shared his memories and considerations.

Source: courtesy of Claudio Marcello

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