National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated annually across Australia between May 27 and June 3.
On May 27, 1967 Australians voted in landslide referendum to give the Commonwealth power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as recognising them in the national census. June 3, 1992 saw the High Court of Australia deliver its landmark Mabo decision, which legally recognised the special relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the land and that this relationship existed prior to colonisation and continues to exist today. It was this recognition that paved the way for future land rights and Native Title movements. So it is most fitting that we celebrate NRW between these two milestones in the reconciliation journey.
This year's theme is "Let's Talk Recognition," to help inform your interpretation of the theme check out the NRW website, there are loads of ideas and resources including downloadable posters, factsheets and activity guides. It is easy to get involved, events are held all across the country or you can host your own!
At Syba Signs we have placed the reconciliation week poster in the foyer of our office. We are going to share some of the fact sheets at our weekly meeting and in keeping with the theme ‘Let’s Talk Recognition’ we will share stories and recognise the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have on our lives!
What have you got planned in your school?