National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week 2020 – In This Together

National Reconciliation Week is held between May 27 and June 3 each year. This year, Reconciliation Australia marks 20 years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to contribute to building a more reconciled Australia. 2020 also marks the 20^th anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when Australians gathered to walk on bridges and roads across the nation to show their support including over 300,000 across Sydney Harbour bridge.

How did it begin?

The dates 27 May and 3 June are of great significance in Australian history, the first of which marking the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Islander Peoples. June 3, 1992 marks the historic Mabo decision when the High Court of Australia recognised native title –    the  recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation. Both 27 May and 3 June are seen as landmark dates that started a broader, more widespread call for respect of Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples land, histories and cultures.

What is reconciliation?

Reconciliation is a journey to reconcile all Australians by building a strong relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Reconciliation invites all Australian communities, individuals, families and organisations to gather as a nation to work together to collectively commemorate the past and to shape a future that continues to value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ histories and cultures.

 In This Together

The theme of National Reconciliation Week 2020 is: In This Together. It sets the stage for all Australians to form a strong bond and share histories and cultures that encourage us all to contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

In 2020, it is as important as ever to stand together, even if we cannot physically do so, there are a number of ways in which we can show respect and support. Abergeldie will play its part this year by paying our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples’ histories and cultures during toolbox meetings and social media and pledging to start our reconciliation journey in Australia.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.