What is Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The National Reconciliation Week 2023 theme, “Be a Voice for Generations.”
This theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives - where we live, work and socialise.
For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
Why these dates?
The dates for NRW are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.
These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
27 May 1967
On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
3 June 1992
On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.
What is reconciliation?
Reconciliation means different things to different people.
Head (think): What do you already know about reconciliation? Why is history an important part of reconciliation?
Heart (feel): What do/could we feel about reconciliation? How is reconciliation part of our own story?
Hand (act): What are some things that you/we/people could do to help to make reconciliation better? How can we make sure that, in the future, reconciliation will live in our hearts, minds and actions?
Who are the people who came before us (past generations) and who will be the people who will come after us (future generations)?
Who are some people who have used their voice to make positive change in the reconciliation movement both in the past and present?
How can all Australians be inspired by these role models to use their own voice to make change for the future?
Why is it important to listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
What are some things we could speak up about or do to make a better Australia for future generations?
What does it mean to have a 'voice'? What does it mean to not have a voice? How can you use your voice or actions to help others be heard?
What could Australia look like if we use our voice to make change, and if we all listened to the diverse voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Who are the generations before us and who will be the generations of the future?
How have past generations influenced reconciliation for future? generations?
Who are some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have used their voice to make change in the reconciliation movement? How can all Australians be inspired by these role models to use their voice and make change for the future?
What responsibility do we have for generations of the future?
What does having a 'voice' mean to you? What does it mean to not have a voice? How can you use your voice to help others be heard?
What could Australia look like, if we use our voice to make change?
Why is celebrating NRW important to the wider journey of reconciliation?
Who are the generations before us and who will be the generations of the future?
How have past generations influenced reconciliation for future? generations?
Who are some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have used their voice to make change in the reconciliation movement?
Why is it important to amplify and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives, and how can you actively do this?
What does having a 'voice' mean to you? What does it mean to not have a voice?
Why is it important to think before you use your voice? In what circumstances is actively listening more important than using your voice?
What responsibility do we have for generations of the future?
Why is celebrating NRW important to the wider process of reconciliation?