22 May Grounded in Truth Walk Together with Courage

The 2019 annual National Reconciliation Week is fast approaching and this year’s theme is ‘Grounded in Truth Walk Together in Courage. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to share and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, celebrate and contribute to achievements about reconciling Australia. Curijo believe to achieve moving forward in reconciliation we all need to create respectful relationships within all Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities.

The National Reconciliation Australia website states that “National Reconciliation Week started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first NRW.” The date remains the same each year 27^th May to 3^rd June commemorating 2 significant milestones in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history. Starting the week on the 27^th May being the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and ending on the 3^rd June being the High Court Mabo decision. 

Reconciliation Australia also states that “for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession, violence, and racism. Over the last half-century, however, many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort. Many steps towards reconciliation have been taken and this will be an ongoing journey, Reconciliation Australia’s vision is based and measured on 5 dimensions, Historical Acceptance, Race Relations, Equality and Equity, Institutional Integrity and Unity”

There are many meaningful ways in which organisations can work together in achieving true reconciliation. Some of these ways include: –

• doing an Acknowledgment of Country or inviting an Elder or Traditional Custodian to do a Welcome to Country at regular meetings, events and activities,
• raising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags daily,
• actively participating in the local community events on an ongoing basis,
• participating in Cultural Awareness Training and embed learnings into your day to day life,
• developing a Reconciliation Action Plan for your business and/or organisation,
• screening Indigenous films and television shows,
• viewing and appreciating Indigenous art and
• hosting a morning tea for National Reconciliation Week.

Reconciliation for the future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gives hope to our children in having the same opportunities and choices in life as non-Indigenous children. Reconciliation must live in the hearts of all Australians to create hope and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

How is your business or organisation going to acknowledge and celebrate Reconciliation Week this year? Or would you like to learn more about how you can create a culturally inclusive workplace. If so, contact us today on (02) 6285 4802 or www.curijo.com.au to see how we can support your organisation to move forward on your reconciliation journey.

Reference: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/