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| National Reconciliation Week | |
|---|---|
| Name | National Reconciliation Week |
| Observedby | Australia |
| Begins | 27 May |
| Ends | 3 June |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First | 1996 |
National Reconciliation Week National Reconciliation Week is an annual observance in Australia commemorating milestones linked to reconciliation between Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians. The week connects historical events such as the 1967 Australian referendum and the Mabo case with contemporary initiatives involving institutions like the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Reconciliation Australia organization. It is marked by public ceremonies, educational programs, and cultural performances across states such as New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.
National Reconciliation Week traces roots to reconciliation efforts that followed the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and advocacy by groups including the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. The week situates itself between dates with symbolic significance: the anniversary of the 1967 Australian referendum and the anniversary of the Mabo v Queensland (No 2) decision, landmark moments alongside figures such as Eddie Mabo and campaigners connected to the Yirrkala bark petitions. Initiatives by organizations like Reconciliation Australia and endorsements from political leaders including former Prime Minister Paul Keating and Prime Minister John Howard shaped national observance and strategies promoted by bodies such as the Australian Parliament and the High Court of Australia.
Each year adopts a theme promoted by Reconciliation Australia, often echoing concepts advanced by advocates like Mick Dodson and organizations such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Symbolism frequently references the Flag of Australia, indigenous symbols represented in works by artists like Albert Namatjira and Emily Kame Kngwarreye, and legal milestones exemplified by judgments of the High Court of Australia including the Mabo v Queensland (No 2) decision. Themes intersect with campaigns led by activists such as Faith Bandler and institutions like the Australian Human Rights Commission, aiming to address issues highlighted in reports by the Australian Law Reform Commission and inquiries such as the Bringing Them Home report.
Programming during the week includes ceremonies hosted at venues like the National Museum of Australia, Parliament House, Canberra, local Tjurkupa gatherings, and community centers in locations such as Redfern and Alice Springs. Activities span public forums featuring speakers from groups such as Reconciliation Australia, performances by ensembles like the Bangarra Dance Theatre, educational workshops developed in partnership with institutions like the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority and the University of Sydney. Commemorative events have involved exhibitions of works by artists like Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, screenings of films by directors such as Rolf de Heer and panel discussions including representatives from unions like the Australian Council of Trade Unions and health services such as the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.
Participation ranges from grassroots organizations like Aboriginal Medical Service clinics and community-controlled corporations to national institutions including the National Library of Australia and corporate partners such as Commonwealth Bank and BHP. Schools, universities, and TAFE institutions such as University of Melbourne and Charles Darwin University run curricula and events, while faith-based groups like the Uniting Church in Australia and advocacy networks including GetUp! coordinate outreach. The week influences policy dialogues involving figures from the Australian Greens, Liberal Party of Australia, and Australian Labor Party and contributes to local reconciliation action plans administered by councils such as the City of Sydney and the Darwin City Council.
Federal and state parliaments, including the Parliament of Australia and the New South Wales Parliament, frequently host sittings and acknowledgements during the week. Government agencies like the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and statutory bodies such as the Australian Human Rights Commission issue statements and resources, while agencies including the Attorney-General's Department and the National Indigenous Australians Agency engage in program delivery. Courts, universities, and arts institutions including the High Court of Australia, Australian National University, and the National Gallery of Australia also participate through events, legal symposiums, and exhibitions.
Critics ranging from community leaders to commentators in outlets aligned with groups such as the Institute of Public Affairs have argued the week can become performative, citing debates involving proposals like constitutional recognition debated by panels including Lowitja O'Donoghue and Patrick Dodson. Controversies have arisen over issues tied to the Stolen Generations, the effectiveness of apology measures such as the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and policy debates epitomized by the Closing the Gap framework, with critics invoking cases like the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre inquiry. Contentious interactions between political parties including the Liberal Party of Australia and Australian Labor Party and advocacy from groups such as Australians for Constitutional Monarchy have also shaped public discourse.
Comparative observers reference reconciliation efforts overseas such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Africa), Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the United States civil rights movement, noting parallels with processes in countries like New Zealand involving the Waitangi Tribunal and Māori initiatives associated with leaders like Whina Cooper. Institutions such as the United Nations and bodies like the Commonwealth of Nations provide frameworks for comparative study alongside case studies from transitional justice processes including the Hartford and Truth Commission of Peru.
Category:Australian observances Category:Reconciliation