National Reconciliation Week

Here in Australia, we’re fortunate enough to have one of the richest and oldest continuing cultures in the world. Each year, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. The dates that bookend the week are significant milestones in the reconciliation journey.

Activity Options

Presentation

27 May marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census. Prepare a presentation about the referendum and discuss the before and after effects for Australia's First Peoples. This can lead into the current discussion and upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament. 

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Performance

Have students re-enact the high court's Mabo decision, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land.

Talking Points

• What was life like for Australia's First Peoples before the vote?

• Who are some of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders and why are they considered leaders?

• What is the concept of terra nullius, and why is it important in reconciliation discussions today?

Resources

There are plenty of tools and ideas to help your students get involved in National Reconciliation Week. Click below to access them.

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• Reconciliation Australia

• Reconciliation in Education

• Share our Pride

Presenting your Aussie of the Month during National Reconciliation Week