Today is the start of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) having the theme #InThisTogether, which is now resonating in ways that could not have been foreseen when it was announced last year. NRW runs annually from 27 May – 3 June and these dates mark two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey:
- 27 May acknowledges the anniversary of the 1967 referendum where more than 90% of voters gave the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal people and for Aboriginal people to be recognised in the national census. It was Australia’s most successful referendum.
- 3 June acknowledges the 1992 landmark decision by the High Court of Australia that overturned the legal doctrine of ‘terra nullius’ and led to the creation of the Native Title Act 1993 and subsequent native title regime. The case was led by Torres Strait Islander man, the late Eddie (Koiki) Mabo.
Stepping it Up for Reconciliation
2020 is also a special Anniversary for the Reconciliation movement – 20 years ago, around 250,000 Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The People’s Walk for Reconciliation had a profound impact on those who participated. By the end of the year 2000, the Walks for Reconciliation held right across the country became the largest display of public support for a single cause in Australian history.
This year, Reconciliation SA is setting you a challenge to walk, run, or ride across the virtual Sydney Harbour Bridge (1.14km) at least once a day for every day of NRW. These steps are to be purposeful and reflective of your journey of Reconciliation. Each day log on to the Reconciliation SA website and log your steps. For more information, click here.
This is just one of hundreds of suggested activities on the Reconciliation SA and Reconciliation Australia websites that you can consider during NRW – or any time during the year.
Warradale Primary School’s collective vision is to foster an environment that recognises and embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledge’s and cultures. This vision for reconciliation is grounded in the concepts of togetherness, reciprocity, and respect.