Community encouraged to build relationships during Reconciliation Week

The Western Australian community is being encouraged to use the upcoming Reconciliation Week to inspire the development of stronger relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people. 

Each year from May 27 to June 3, National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Talk Recognition’. 

The week is preceded by Sorry Day on May 26, which recognises the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier said the week was an ideal opportunity for the wider community to join the reconciliation conversation and think about how to help turn around the disadvantage experienced by many indigenous people. 

“I encourage all West Australians to embrace Reconciliation Week, to use the event as an opportunity to learn more about the indigenous culture, to recognise past wrongs and to commit to working together to help close the gap,” Mr Collier said. 

“Shared learning, mutual respect, cultural awareness and understanding are all critical to encouraging reconciliation. 

“Talk to your children, take some time to focus on all aspects of our Australian history and commit to helping develop stronger relationships in your own life.” 

To raise awareness of Reconciliation Week, the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) has funded a range of events to be held throughout the State. 

This includes a movie night on May 29 in Fremantle, hosted by the Eco Faeries, and a barbecue on the Geraldton foreshore on May 31, hosted by Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions and Community Services. 

The Bringing Them Home Committee will also host an event on Sorry Day, supported by DIA, to be held at Wellington Square in Perth from 10am to 2pm. 

In addition, DIA has partnered with the Bringing Them Home Committee, Reconciliation Australia and the City of Perth for the Reconciliation banner project. 

More than 40 organisations have sponsored 138 banners, which are on display around Perth’s central business district, carrying a message about reconciliation. 

National Reconciliation Week is framed by two key events in Australia’s history. May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum, held in 1967, which saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the national census. 

On June 3, 1992, the High Court of Australia delivered its landmark Mabo decision, legally recognising that indigenous people had a special relationship to the land, which existed before colonalisation and still exists today. 

More information about National Reconciliation Week is available on the DIA website http://www.dia.wa.gov.au/ or contact 9235 8000. 

For further information contact the Minister's office - 9213 7150