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Culture is a very important aspect of child development and aids in creating a strong foundation built on identity, self worth and inclusion. For us much of our culture was lost when the British sailed into what is now known as Sydney. Tens of thousands of years of history, culture, tradition were lost due to them being banned and outlawed. 

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Up until the 1970s Aboriginal children were still being stolen and placed into orphanages where they would be forced to forget their culture and take up a religion most commonly Protestant. They were assigned families some even sold off to other nations as maids. 

This happened to our family and over the years we have fought to reinstate culture and tell the truth about what occurred as it causes significant harm to todays Aboriginal population. 

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The challenge isn't one fought alone as many many Australian's rally around the importance of Aboriginal culture and it's place in today's modern Australia. The Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens bring back Indigenous plants and native bush food. What was once common the Yam a form of native potato is now being grown by passionate locals who plan on reintroducing it into nature after live stock have all but nearly made the plant extinct or endangered. 

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Today we marked the commencement of NAIDOC Week which celebrates all that of Aboriginal culture and this one is an important one for us as little miss is know coming of age where she is aware and asking questions. 

It is when she will learn most about her culture that was lost and like many young nephews before she will ask me the same question, Why?. It is the hardest to answer because anyone alive today asked the same question of why it happened because it just doesn't make sense. 

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We heard stories of survival as well as good news stories of families making it through those years and how people have grown and learned. Not all is bad news as through adversity grows resilience and becomes part of the growing story and the culture and history itself. 

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The young have reclaimed the Yadiki which is what is commonly referred to as the digeridoo but it's name is slowly being reclaimed as well. An instrument so old yet so humble that it's sounds are unique and speak of the land it is born from. 

It is these days of cultural learning that will shape Little Miss and Little Bloke of who they are and how far they have come. A story that should never have to be told but must in order to ensure that it doesn't happen again and to prevent those who seek to salience others from winning the war on truth. 

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The day also hosted a series of events open to the public of traditional games, art and story telling which helps shape the next generation and keeps the culture alive. Our culture does not solely belong to us but to all Australians as it is Australian culture.