By Georgia FreeWednesday 5 Jul 2023Hope DriveLifeReading Time: 3 minutes
Safina Stewart is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian artist. To some, the relationship between Indigenous spirituality and Christianity is paradoxical, but Safina sees it as the truest expression of her faith and humanity.
A proud Wuthithi and Mabuiag Island woman, Safina spoke to Hope Drive this NAIDOC week about the role of elders in the community, what true reconciliation looks like and how non-Indigenous Australians can become more engaged in Indigenous topics.
Importance of elders
This NAIDOC Week’s theme is “For Our Elders” – a chance to celebrate and honour the amazing work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders throughout history.
“Everyone in Aboriginal communities has a significant identity – from children to the elderly – but elders are even more significant,” Safina said.
“An elder is someone who has been called upon by their community to lead a people into the future. They play such involved roles in bringing the Australian community into relationship with [Indigenous Australians].
“They know how to build up community, they hold a deep knowledge of culture, and they are often trailblazers.
“It’s essential that everyone listens deeply to the wisdom that elders bring to us.”
What true reconciliation looks like
As the Relationships and Storytelling Coordinator for Common Grace, Safina also believes that true reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians will come from deep listening and acknowledging pain and hurt – especially in preparing for the referendum for the Voice to Parliament.
“There’s been a lot of discussion [about the Voice] and not all of it has been kind or useful,” Safina said.
“Reconciliation has to be about coming together and truth telling.
“The truth is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been deeply oppressed. Whether you want to know it or not, that is the truth.
“We need to speak honestly… about the oppression and injustices that should have never occurred… for there to be opportunities for restoration and forgiveness.”
More than that, as a Christian, Safina believes that God should be at the centre of the reconciliation process – which Aboriginal Christian leader Aunty Jean Phillips says needs to happen “at the foot of the cross”.
“As Aunty Jean Phillips says, it’s only at the foot of the cross that we can have true reconciliation with each other and with God,” Safina said.
“From those moments, perhaps we can have a greater understanding [of each other].
“Sometimes I think it’s impossible to understand completely, but if we can open ourselves up with a deep heart of empathy, then we will be in a better posture to hold each other with dignity and honour.”
“I ask everyone to be praying, listening and having good, heartfelt, decent conversations that are honouring of our Aboriginal people,” – Safina Stewart
How can we learn?
Safina encourages everyone this NAIDOC Week to be open to learning new things about “the oldest living culture in the world”.
“I ask everyone to be praying, listening and having good, heartfelt, decent conversations that are honouring of our Aboriginal people,” Safina said.
“Each person needs to take on the responsibility to educate themselves, as if learning as a hobby.
“Getting to know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture [should be] something you enjoy doing and remain open to.”
Listen to the Heart has a variety of resources for individuals, schools and churches, including new resource to be available soon called Table Talk Conversations – which encourage families and friends to start open and honest conversations about Indigenous topics.
Listen to Safina’s full interview in the player above.