Preparing for National Reconciliation Week 2019: May 27-June 3.

4 April 2019 by

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2019 this year is Grounded in Truth, Walk together in Courage.

 

The National Reconciliation Week campaign states:

 

At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds.

 

Today, 80 per cent of Australians believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.

 

Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage. This National Reconciliation Week, we invite Australians from all backgrounds to contribute to our national movement towards a unified future.

 

You might want to engage in personal and communal reflection and discussion of the ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART

 

In order to assist in this personal and communal reflection and discussion, I have attached a discussion guide that has been adapted from the much longer ACU document Uluru Statement from the Heart Discussion Guide.

 

More information and resources available at: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/