National Reconciliation Week: 27th May – 3rd June 2022

This week is Reconciliation Week, and this year’s theme is “Be Brave. Make Change”. The theme challenges all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Reconciliation is a journey for everyone, and at the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Reconciliation Australia has issued the challenge and provided guidance on what we can do:

Learn

• Recognise, respect and educate yourself on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and communities by reading something from their book list or video watch list.
• Subscribe to IndigenousX to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on different issues.
• Find out whose Country you are in. (We are on Ngunnawal country).
• Read the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
• Learn about the true history of the settlement of Australia, the

Frontier Wars.

• Learn about significant dates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Act

• Become a member of Reconciliation NSW (free for individuals) or your state/territory reconciliation group to receive news and updates.
• Participate in online events and talks.
• Visit local Aboriginal sites of significance to pay patronage - this could be gathering sites, rock engravings, massacre sites.
• Donate to IndigenousX to support First Nations’ media.
• Support the Uluru Statement from the Heart by signing the canvass and emailing your local MP.
• Attend a local protest for First Nations rights.
• Approach your local council for appropriate Aboriginal signage in your LGA.

Share

• Acknowledge what Country you are on through your social media and add your Country to your address.
• Amplify First Nations voices – share tweets and posts from IndigenousX and other First Nations’ accounts.
• Share stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with your children - there are great recommendations for kids and teens on our book list.
• Suggest a book from our reading list for your book club or host a movie night with friends.
• Call out racism when you see it and share resources on how others can address this too.

• Topics:

• Community
• Reconciliation