Reconciliation Week 2023
With Wirltu Yarlu's Deb Bland.
Reconciliation Week is celebrated every year from May 27 to June 3 where we highlight and celebrate the significant steps Australians have made towards reconciliation – the 1967 Referendum (May 27) and the 1982 Eddie Mabo Decision (June 3).
The Referendum abolished clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Eddie Mabo Decision recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners and custodians of Australian land and paved the way for Native Title.
This year’s theme for Reconciliation Week is “Be A Voice for Generations” and the aim is to encourage Australians to promote and support being the voice of reconciliation in their everyday lives.
5 ways you can contribute to Reconciliation in your student life, work life, and personal lives:
- Truly consider what Reconciliation means to you and self-reflect.
- Educate yourself on Australian/Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
- Find out who the traditional owners are of the land where you are studying, working, and living on, and always pay your respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the true custodians of the land.
- Learn about significant events in Reconciliation.
- Take a lead in attending or organising events for Reconciliation Week.
Find more information with Reconciliation Australia.
To get involved, check out the Reconciliation Calendar of Events. Or check out your local councils and community group websites to find out what’s going on in your community!