As National Reconciliation Week begins, the ACT Government encourages Canberrans to ‘Be Brave. Make Change’ and tackle the ongoing business of Reconciliation.
Reconciliation Week runs each year from 27 May to 3 June, and is a time to learn about the shared histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Reconciliation Day is an important opportunity for all Canberrans to ‘stop and think’ about Reconciliation,” said Selina Walker, co-chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council, established by the ACT Government to encourage community conversations about Reconciliation throughout the year.
The ACT Government is committed to promoting and supporting the Reconciliation journey, and the ACT is the first and only Australian jurisdiction to dedicate a public holiday to Reconciliation (this year on Monday 30 May).
All Canberrans are invited to a free, family event at the National Arboretum. The event will showcase the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through arts and craft workshops, fantastic food, panel discussions, and performances. There will be an opportunity to learn about and participate in the journey of Reconciliation.
Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, said this year’s theme challenges us all to think about how we can contribute to this vital journey.
“Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples for the benefit of all Australians,” she said. “Importantly, we are encouraged to go out and make it happen.”
Ms Stephen-Smith shared a video about the history and future of Reconciliation in Australia on Facebook.
“On 27 May 1967, a landmark referendum changed Australia,” Ms Stephen-Smith wrote. “It saw the Australian Constitution amended to count First Nations people in the national census. While there had been important milestones in the fight for equality before this, including the 1962 amendment to the Commonwealth Electoral Act that gave First Nations people the right to vote, it was this referendum that showed a turning tide in support to end the discrimination First Nations people were facing in their daily lives.
“There remains a long road to travel to achieve true equity. #ReconciliationWeek is an opportunity to begin this journey. It is a chance for us all to learn, reflect and participate in respectful truth-telling about our shared history.”
Expressions of interest are currently open for Council members until 14 June. Ms Stephen-Smith encouraged those who are passionate about Reconciliation to apply.
“Reconciliation is a human rights movement, and we need people to join our movement and continue making a difference,” Ms Walker said.
Ms Stephen-Smith thanked outgoing Co-Chair, Dr Chris Bourke, the driving force behind the establishment of Reconciliation Day, who led the Council since its establishment.
Find out more about joining the ACT Reconciliation Council on their web page, or learn more about the Reconciliation Day event on the Events ACT website.
