Funding grants to help students along the path to reconciliation

More than 100 schools across Western Australia will share in $83,000 in funding grants to help students develop projects that promote and advance reconciliation.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier said the grants would be distributed through the Partnership, Acceptance, Learning, Sharing (PALS) program, an initiative of the Department of Indigenous Affairs in partnership with BHP Billiton.

It encouraged young people to take a leadership role in strengthening the relationships that exist in their local community between indigenous and non-indigenous people.

Mr Collier said the popularity of the program showed young people were committed to reconciliation.

“This year, 107 primary and secondary schools will co-ordinate a total of 120 reconciliation projects across WA,” he said.

“The PALS program is a demonstration of the willingness of young people to encourage reconciliation through shared learning, mutual respect and cultural awareness and understanding.”

This year’s PALS projects will be designed in schools from the State’s far north to the western suburbs of Perth, and will include art and cultural displays, story-telling events and health-based educational activities.

“The PALS program is a great mechanism for young people to learn more about Aboriginal culture and history, with more than 70,000 students to date encouraged to understand more about indigenous culture and the importance of reconciliation,” the Minister said.

“I am also delighted that BHP Billiton continues to partner with the Government to deliver the program and show its commitment to reconciliation with indigenous Australians.”

A full list of PALS projects is available by contacting the Department of Indigenous Affairs on 9235 8090.

For further information contact the Minister's office  - 9213 7150