We are joining our fellow Australians to celebrate National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June.
This year marks twenty years of Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation – including greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea.
This year’s theme — ‘In This Together’ – is a powerful reminder that reconciliation must live in the hearts and minds of all Australians. Collectively we all play a part in building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.
National Reconciliation Week is framed by two important milestones:
The successful 1967 referendum, and
The High Court Mabo decision
Recognising Sorry Day - 26 May
Sorry Day is a significant day in Australia’s national calendar which precedes National Reconciliation Week.
It recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families due to government policies of a bygone era.
It also serves as an important reminder to us that without ongoing recognition, reconciliation and reparation, the healing journey for the Survivors of the Stolen Generations cannot continue.
At Life Without Barriers, Sorry Day is also a time where we reflect on our role in providing the best possible care and outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in our care and for adults and families we support.
We encourage all Australians to join us during this very special week in paying respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and customs, and to Elders past, present and emerging. For information about National Reconciliation Week activities, visit Reconciliation Australia’s website.
