The Parramatta Native Institution is of significance to the Aboriginal community as for many it marked the severing of Aboriginal people from their culture and the separation of children from their families.
On 28 December 1814, Governor Macquarie hosted a native feast behind St Johns Church, Parramatta.
One month later the Native Institution was opened, aiming to educate local Aboriginal children in the customs of the new colonial society.
Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Scott Lloyd, said the commemoration event included addresses by State Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee, Parramatta
City Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Chairperson John Robertson, Deputy Leader of the State Opposition Linda Burney and descendants of children who attended the Institution.
“The event is an opportunity for descendants and the wider community to acknowledge and pay respect for the children who were placed at the Institution.
“The Institution holds significance in the history of Parramatta, and many of the descendants still live in and around our City today.”
