National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated every year in Australia from 27 May to 3 June. First celebrated in 1996, it provides the opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians, and to commemorate two significant dates in Australia's reconciliation history:
This year, the theme for NRW is Grounded in Truth: Walk Together With Courage. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds.
Today, 80 per cent of Australians believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.
Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage. This National Reconciliation Week, we invite Australians from all backgrounds to contribute to our national movement towards a unified future.
Join UniSA Facebook Event Take the NRW Quiz
Watch this short (3:03) video to hear Professor David Lloyd's statement on National Reconciliation Week 2019.
There are a huge range of events being held across UniSA campuses and South Australia during National Reconciliation Week. Click any title to jump to more details below.
A free celebration of Indigenous Film and culture that runs during National Reconciliation Week to promote cultural awareness, Indigenous screen culture and entertainment. More information here.
Come along to the event to learn about our shared histories, cultures, accomplishments, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. There will be traditional performances, catering and activities. More information here.
As part of the International Year of Indigenous Languages combined with Reconciliation Week, we are bringing you a word of the day in different language groups. Use #NRWMagill to go into the draw to win a daily prize of $20 Coles/Myer voucher. Full Terms and Conditions here.
Come along and join us for an Aboriginal Bush Food & a Social History tour through the Botanic Gardens. RSVP here.
Please join us as we celebrate Reconciliation Week in 2019. UniSA Mawson Lakes campus will be holding a free event which will include a range of activities including Traditional Games, a Didgeridoo performance and Dreamtime stories. We will also have Boomerang painting for a gold coin donation. There will also be a Potato Picnic campfire on site run by Uncle Dookie as well as a BBQ.
A free celebration of Indigenous Film and culture that runs during National Reconciliation Week to promote cultural awareness, Indigenous screen culture and entertainment. More information here.
Please join us on the Basil Hetzel Plaza for a free event, hosting a variety of activities such as; a bush tucker tasting, live music performances, a medicinal plant stall, artefacts and storytelling, the opportunity to paint your own boomerang or native animal, and for the first time ever an opportunity to receive a free Traditional Healing by the Ngangkari Healers!
We encourage all UniSA staff and students to get involved in Reconciliation Week as we come together to celebrate and acknowledge Reconciliation Week in 2019.
Students from Grant High School will be facilitating a number of stations on Mount Gambier campus to communicate their perspective on NRW. Throughout the entire week, celebrations will continue; Staff and students will be participating in the interactive displays and beginning conversation about local reconciliation issues. Each day will begin with a formal Welcome to Country, then continue with a screening of a reconciliation film created by local elder, Aunty Michele (ran on loop the entire week). Reflections on reconciliation by staff will be shared on social media.
In line with this year’s theme ‘Grounded in Truth – Walk Together with Courage’, representatives from 101 Currie Street and L2 60 Light Square have teamed up to provide staff, students and the local community, the opportunity to witness a Smoking Ceremony, led by accomplished Aboriginal South Australian artist, Allan Sumner. This is a great chance to take time out of your day to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Staff and students to come together over morning tea to share stories and complete team activities.
Learn the pronunciation of the Pitjantjatjara language, a few words and the Pitjantjatjara of ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ in a half-hour language class. After the class, come and enjoy a BBQ.
VIEW MORE COMMUNITY NRW EVENTS HERE
For Country, for Nation reflects on the experience of war from the perspective of First Nations Australians and features contemporary responses to conflict by artists such as Tony Albert, Yhonnie Scarce, Meagan Cope and Gordon Bennett. This Australian War Memorial Touring exhibition brings to light the long-standing tradition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in fighting for Country to reveal stories of service in the military and on the front lines of war.
The Unbound Collective continue their research, video and performance series Bound and Unbound: Sovereign Acts at the Samstag Museum of Art. The Unbound Collective brings together four Adelaide-based First Nations women working across art, activism and academia. Ali Gumilya Baker (Mirning), Faye Rosas Blanch (Mbararam/Yidinyji), Natalie Harkin (Narungga) and Simone Ulalka Tur (Yankunytjatjara).
Poetry, stories and letters from the Unbound Collective — artists, activists and academics Ali Gumilya Baker (Mirning), Faye Rosas Blanch (Mbararam/Yidinyji), Natalie Harkin (Narungga) and Simone Ulalka Tur (Yankunytjatjara).
UniSA's Reconciliation Week supports UniSA's commitment to the recently launched Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP aims to improve education and life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Click here for more information about the RAP.
Share your voice of support #ReconciliationUniSA #NRW2018
If you'd like to find out more on supporting Reconciliation, have a look at these organisations:
UniSA respects the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla peoples’ spiritual relationship with their country.