National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated annually across Australia from 27 May to 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision. There are plenty of Australian indigenous resources available where you can learn more about these events.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen how quickly things can change and how important it is to come together as a community. That’s why NRW is a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on our progress towards reconciliation and to recommit to making Australia a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected.
Here are just a few reasons why National Reconciliation Week matters so much:
1. It’s a chance for us to come together as a nation
NRW is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared history, to celebrate our diversity, and to build stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. When we come together and share our stories, we create a more compassionate and understanding nation.
2. It’s an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
For many of us, NRW is a time to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. Through events, workshops, conversations and storytelling, we can gain a greater appreciation for the rich cultures that have been part of this land for over 65,000 years.
3. It’s a chance to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices
This week is about amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples so that we can all learn from their experiences and wisdom. When we take the time to really listen, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and ways of thinking about the world around us.
4. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on our progress
NRW provides us with a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation – both in terms of reconciliation but also in terms of race relations more broadly. It’s also an opportunity to consider what more we can do to create an inclusive society where everyone feels like they belong.
National Reconciliation Week is an important time for all Australians – it’s a time for us to come together, learn more about each other’s cultures, amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and reflect on our progress towards reconciliation. Let’s use this NRW as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to building an inclusive Australia where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.