National Reconciliation Week 2022 - Be Brave. Make Change. 27th May to 3rd June.

SANE Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year, the theme for National Reconciliation Week is:

Be Brave. Make Change.

What does this mean?

We are acknowledging the unfinished work of reconciliation - first, in our own lives, then in society.

Be Brave. Make Change. challenges all Australians (individuals, families, communities, organisations and government) to be brave in making change in their everyday lives. It encourages us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, as well as consider ways each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

When is it and why?

National Reconciliation Week falls on 27 May to 3 June each year.

These 2 dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey:

1) 27 May 1967

On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

2) 3 June 1992

On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

Here's a short video if you are interested in learning more about National Reconciliation Week 2022:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAgohZhTkjo

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What are some things we can do?

1) Talk about reconciliation in your workplace, during social events.

2) Attend reconciliation week events.

3) Ask Aboriginal Leaders etc. to share their stories.

4) Hold a team lunch (breakfast) to honour the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's culinary influence.

5) Join a local cultural tour.

6) Show your appreciation of Country through art.

For the community:

What is something you can do in your own life or in your close circle to recognise and acknowledge Australia's Traditional owners?

For me, I start the day with an Acknowledgment of Country, and share my appreciation for the Traditional owners of Country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwB19PARVRc

What about you?

Please share what you do/intend to do in recognition of the Traditional owners of the land.