UniSA acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands that are now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and future. UniSA also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands, waters and sky across Australia.
It was and always will be Aboriginal land.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
This year’s theme ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives, so we can have a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
UniSA will be celebrating NRW through a variety of on-campus and online events, so everyone can get involved. We invite all of you to participate in the many activities we offer.
Learn about the great strides that generations of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians have made in the journey towards reconciliation.
UniSA PhD candidate, Mikayla King, and UniSA Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, share their thoughts and support for National Reconciliation Week.
Join us online for Nunga Screen 2023, a curated screening of short First Nations films, proudly presented by Country Arts SA with support from the South Australia Film Corporation. Nunga Screen shares and celebrates First Nations culture, stories and language through the screen.
Featuring five short films, including Jarli, Aboriginal Warrior and Bunker: The Last Fleet, the online screening will be hosted by Ngarrindjeri man Josh Trevorrow, Filmmaker and Country Arts SA’s First Nations Arts & Cultural Manager, who will also facilitate a Q&A session at the conclusion of the short films. This event is open to all UniSA students, staff and general public.
Embark on an adventure of discovery and exploration! Join us on the Botanic Gardens Native Plant Trail where you'll learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people. A knowledgeable Aboriginal guide will take you on an unforgettable journey of discovery as you learn about the various ways in which these plants are used in Aboriginal culture. As you walk through the gardens, you'll hear stories about the social history of the Aboriginal people and gain a deeper understanding of their unique way of life. This is a free event but registration is essential.
*This event is now sold out*
Join us for a special Brekky Bar at City East and try some Indigenous foods from the Taoundi Aboriginal College, plus grab a donut to raise awareness of the Tjindu Foundation.
Stay around after Brekky Bar for the Smoking Ceremony – an important tradition in Aboriginal culture for cleansing and renewing people and the land.
Join us for a special Brekky Bar at Magill where you can enjoy some Indigenous sweets while partaking in activities such as learning about Aboriginal food and wildlife, as well as a fun colouring-in session.
Starting with a Welcome to Country ceremony, the afternoon will continue with a musical performance by singer-songwriter Nathan May, a descendent of the Araban, Yaruwu and Marridjabin clans. You will be able to enjoy a donut from Vili’s Family Bakery, where 50 cents of the sale of each donut goes to Tjindu Foundation.
Please join us for a morning of weaving and yarning. The session begins with a conversation around weaving as healing, and ways to talk to and connect with Aboriginal people within your studies, your workplaces, and your lives. This is a free event but bookings are essential and you need to commit to coming, with an understanding that this is a cultural event. You are free to ask questions, engage in conversations and you will also get to learn a new skill and take something home with you. Weaving materials and tea and coffee will be provided.
*This event is now sold out*
Join us for a special Brekky Bar at City West. We will commence with a Welcome to Country and Cleansing Ceremony by Cliffy Wilson from Kuma Kaaru outside the Student Lounge (between HH and BH Buildings). Following that, come inside for a delicious morning tea provided by Tauondi Aboriginal College and grab a donut to raise awareness of the Tjindu Foundation. You can also take part in a mindfulness colouring stations all while listening to music by Aboriginal artists.
Join us for a Reconciliation Week BBQ at Mawson Lakes. Enjoy kangaroo meat sausages and condiments made with native ingredients, and take the opportunity to make a reconciliation-themed badge to take home. This event will include a Welcome to Country by Cliffy Wilson from Kuma Kaaru, and a yarning circle where you’ll have the opportunity to chat with an Aboriginal man, Elijah Bravington, on the meaning of reconciliation. Plus, learn about basket weaving with Aunty Janice Rigney.
Join us for this unique opportunity to hear directly from the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, who will deliver the 16th annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration during National Reconciliation Week, as he discusses the importance of constitutional recognition and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice.
The Oration honours influential Aboriginal leader Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG and seeks to highlight vital issues for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is the first time a sitting Prime Minister will deliver the Oration.
This event will be lived streamed to Whyalla campus and nibbles and drinks will be provided.
Join us for a special Brekky Bar at Whyalla where you can enjoy some sweets and native teas, plus grab a donut to raise awareness of the Tjindu Foundation.
Join us for a special campus gathering with an Indigenous-inspired lunch supplied by a local caterer. A local community radio station will broadcast live from campus, which will include Indigenous music and interviews with staff and students to promote education opportunities for Aboriginal people.
This is an opportunity for students across secondary and university study to gather together and celebrate Aboriginal student success, along with Aboriginal professionals in education, health and social work. The event will include an Indigenous-inspired lunch, ceremonious smoking ceremony and yarning around the fire pit.
Come along and hear about Aboriginal art and culture through the use of expressive art from local Indigenous artist Shania Richards. There will be a hands-on workshop where participants will have the opportunity to contribute to our community mural, learn different painting techniques and celebrate Aboriginal culture.
Join us for a day of celebration with plenty of festivities for all ages, held in collaboration with TAFE SA Aboriginal Access Centre and Ceduna Red Cross Hub. A Smoking Ceremony will be conducted by Mima Smart OAM, community leader and visual artist at Yalata and Oak Valley, and there will be also be a Welcome to Country from a local Elder. Hear from an array of guest speakers and take part in a variety of activities, including BBQ, tie dying, face painting, kids corner, youth raffle, reconciliation cake cutting, photo booth and basket making.
In addition to events and activities held by UniSA, there are a variety of other free events hosted by local organisations and community groups in South Australia, including art exhibitions, workshops, tennis carnival, movie night, film screenings, community BBQ, and many other community celebrations. Nunga Screen 2023 will also be touring across regional SA, presenting a diverse film program for cinema-goers of all ages. Check out the full Nunga Screen schedule and locations on their website.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS
First Nations peoples have a long legacy of speaking up for their communities, but their voices have been excluded or buried under the voices of non-Indigenous people. Turn down the noise: listen before you speak. Be an active ally.
Speak up about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander successes, cultures and people. Recognise sovereignty by Acknowledging Country and by respectfully prioritising Traditional Owners voices.
Racism damages lives and livelihoods, and it hurts the whole community. Notice the bias in personal conversations. Speak up when you hear something ignorant, hurtful or not right.
If you didn’t learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at school, speak up to make sure our kids do now. Find info for schools and early learning services on the Narragunnawali website and at Learn our Truth.
Connect with your local Traditional Custodians and First Nations groups to find out what issues you should stand with them on and help amplify their voices. Find your local reconciliation group and collaborate on efforts.
When talking about the story of Australia, state the facts. Always note the continued presence and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Support First Nations people’s truth-telling, in whatever form.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the most incarcerated people in the world, proportionally. Learn and understand why this is so. Speak out and challenge our leaders to take action on justice.
Learn the history of representative bodies and calls for treaty. Find out if your state has started its treaty process. Listen to the calls, debates and discussions by First Peoples on treaties, constitutional reform, and Voice to Parliament.
Understand the strengths in First Nations community control in governing, health, education curricula, and media representation. Speak up for and support community-controlled and Indigenous governed organisations.
Show you support First Nations ownership and custodianship of Country. Learn about Land Rights and Native Title in Australia. Support or join land justice efforts and advocacy near you.
Support First Nations businesses as contractors, suppliers, and producers. Purchase Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander art or products only from Indigenous-owned businesses.
Contribute to social justice and change, while expanding your networks and meeting new people. Plan, implement and participate in reconciliation events across the calendar year, and across all campuses.