Welcome to the the first day of National Reconciliation Week 2020. This week (as so eloquently put by Reconciliation Australia) 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 in Australia.'
A big week for Australia’s history.
Reconciliation Week is marked by historically significant dates from our past, however it aims to lead us toward the future.
Yesterday, National Sorry Day, marked Kevin Rudd’s landmark 2008 apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, particularly the stolen generation. While that day was a monumental leap forward, it has also since become a reminder of the Australian government’s lack of adequate action following the apology.
In our last journal entry, we talked about the 1967 Referendum and its impact on Australia’s history. Today, the first day of Reconciliation week, marks the 53 year anniversary of the Referendum, and it also marks the first day of National Reconciliation Week. The last day of the week is marked by the anniversary of the High Court Mabo decision - another hugely important day in the country’s history.
Sydney on Australia Day 2008, three weeks prior to the Apology. Image Source: National Museum AustraliaThe way forward...
National Reconciliation Week invites and encourages all Australians to come together to help to create meaningful change, moving us ever closer to a truly reconciled Australia.
But what does that mean? Reconciliation Australia’s vision of reconciliation is based and measured on five dimensions: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity.
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.”
Kirstie Parker – Board Member, Reconciliation Australia
National Reconciliation Week banner featuring artwork by Biripi/Bunjalung artist, Nikita Ridgeway. Image source: Reconciliation Australia.
How can you get involved?
The ways that you can get involved are countless. You can attend an online event, host an online movie screening or book club, get informed and share what you’ve learned with your friends or simply start a conversation. The wonderful people at Reconciliation Australia have a comprehensive list of events, resources and ways to get involved on their website.
The Life Apparel team invites each and every one of our followers to get informed and to help make a difference. After all, a truly reconciled Australia can only exist when we all work together. We have come so far, but we still have so far to go. But we wholeheartedly believe that only through ongoing, collective effort can we reach our destination. So let's all get involved, in any way we can.
Acknowledgement of Country
Acknowledgement of Country
Today, the first day of Reconciliation Week, and every day, we acknowledge the Yugambeh and Kombumerri people, the traditional owners of this land on which we operate and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
#InThisTogether2020 #NRW2020
1 comment
Nicole Beaver
Do you have any reconciliation shirts?
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