National Reconciliation Week (NRW) holds significant importance for fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Examining the past
Spanning from 27th May to 3rd June each year, NRW provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on the nation’s history, acknowledge the impacts of colonisation, and work towards building a more inclusive and harmonious future.
At its core, National Reconciliation Week is a time to honour and commemorate the milestones achieved in the journey towards reconciliation. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, the rich Indigenous cultures, and the resilience of the First Nations peoples. The dates of NRW were chosen to mark significant events in the history of reconciliation: the 1967 referendum on 27th May and the High Court’s Mabo decision on 3rd June 1992.
The 1967 referendum was a pivotal moment in Australia’s history, where over 90% of Australians voted ‘yes’ to include Indigenous Australians in the national census and give the federal government power to make laws for Indigenous peoples. This marked a significant step towards recognising and valuing the rights and contributions of Indigenous Australians.
The Mabo decision, handed down by the High Court, recognised the traditional land rights of the Meriam people and paved the way for the recognition of Native Title in Australia. It challenged the notion of terra nullius, the legal doctrine that declared Australia as unoccupied prior to British colonisation, and acknowledged the ongoing connection and custodianship of Indigenous peoples to the land.
More than sorry
National Reconciliation Week serves as a platform to educate and raise awareness about these historical events, along with other key milestones in the reconciliation journey. It encourages individuals and communities to engage in conversations, learn from Indigenous cultures, and understand the impact of past policies on Indigenous peoples’ lives.
First and foremost, NRW promotes unity and social cohesion. It encourages all Australians to come together, acknowledge shared histories, and foster understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. By embracing reconciliation, we build bridges of respect and empathy, breaking down barriers that have divided us in the past.
Secondly, National Reconciliation Week plays a crucial role in addressing social and economic disparities faced by Indigenous Australians. It provides a platform to discuss issues such as health, education, employment, and justice, and to advocate for equitable opportunities and outcomes. By focusing on these issues, NRW aims to reduce the gaps in life expectancy, educational attainment, and employment rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Reconciliation Week 2023
While the reason behind the week remains the same, every year NRW is centred around a slightly different theme. This year’s theme is ‘Be a voice for Generations’ – a call for everyone to be a voice for Reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives.
Reconciliation Australia is encouraging all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year.
Every year workplaces, schools, early learning services, community groups, reconciliation groups, and people right across the country host a whole range of events. To incorporate First Nations language, culture and actively participate in events such as NRW, NAIDOC and Closing the Gap can provide an opportunity for organisations and communities to demonstrate their unconditional support and dedication toward true meaningful healing.
What you can do this National Reconciliation Week
The National Sorry Day and NRW guidelines provide a few suggestions on how you can support yourself and others at work, including:
Keeping resources open to all staff: This includes providing research and real stories from Stolen Generation survivors, as well as inviting others to share their knowledge and remembrance of traditions, culture and country.
Celebrate Indigenous achievement: While discourse around truth-telling and past injustices is part of National Sorry Day, it’s also a time to celebrate the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make and have made to wider Australian culture – be it in art, entertainment, medicine and more.
Be open about the future: An apology can may go a long way towards healing, but action is required to make change happen. As current statistics make clear, many of the ‘Bringing them Home’ report’s recommendations have not been realised – meaning that more education and understanding is needed. If you’re wondering what role you can play in reconciliation, it’s okay to talk about it – that’s the point of the day.
Converge care and specialist helpline
At Converge, we understand that people face many challenges in their lives and that, sometimes, require specialised support. This is why, if your organisation is in partnership with us, you may have access to specialist support (available during business hours) in addition to your existing Employee Assistance Program services. You may even have access to our specialist First Nations Helpline — check with your employer.
Our experienced consultants are either Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders themselves or have undertaken specialist training in cultural awareness. We provide a safe space for you to talk to someone who can empathise with your issues and provide support. Our services have been developed by First Nations consultants to provide culturally safe, secure, culturally responsible and deliver professional support.
