National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation Week aligns with two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey — the successful 1967 referendum in which Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census and the High Court Mabo of 1992 that recognised the existence of native title.

The theme Reconciliation Week 2019 is Grounded in Truth: Walk together with Courage.  The significance of truth as part of reconciliation reflects that the key to all effective relationships is open and honest truth between partners.  This theme promotes fostering positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and the broader Australian community.

The five dimensions of reconciliation are; Race Relations, Equality and Equity, Institutional Integrity, Unity and Historical Acceptance. These dimensions should not work in isolation, but integrated to ensure improved outcomes for both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Reconciliation and truth-telling about Australian history is a critical step in moving forward and healing the wounds of the past.

How you can get involved in National Reconciliation Week:

• Film screenings, festivals, concerts, poetry or book readings
• Aboriginal heritage walks and cultural tours
• Public forums on reconciliation (e.g. at the Town Hall or local library)
• Exhibitions, talks or performances by local Aboriginal artists, musicians, craftspeople or businesses
• Reconciliation breakfasts or festivals featuring Indigenous cuisine
• Dreamtime story-telling and displays in local schools, libraries, council offices or public spaces.
• Supporting the permanent display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags or banners where they haven’t been before.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, Australian colonial history is regarded as a time of devastating loss, violence and racism.  The road to reconciliation is an ongoing journey, with continuing progress being made to reduce inequities between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

As part of Reconciliation Week, Connect Health & Community launch our Reconciliation Action.

To view videos of the launch, visit our Facebook page through this link.

For more information about National Reconciliation Week visit: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/