National Reconciliation Week 2023 – ‘Be a Voice for Generations’
WHAT IS NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK? National Reconciliation Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of all Australians and encourages every person who calls Australia home to actively contribute towards reconciliation in our country. It is organised by Reconciliation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation and the main body championing reconciliation in Australia.
WHEN IS NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK? Each year, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated from 27 May to 3 June. The dates remain the same each year and align with major milestones in our country’s reconciliation journey – the success of the 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
WHAT IS THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR? The theme for National Reconciliation Week in 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, encouraging everyone to actively do what they can to ensure that our country achieves reconciliation.
WHY IS RECONCILIATION WEEK IMPORTANT? It is important to celebrate National Reconciliation Week each year to encourage a continued awareness of, and ongoing discussion about, our rich histories and achievements. The week highlights different ways in which we can move towards reconciliation in Australia. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation. Ensuring that all people are given equal opportunities is paramount to the future of Australia.
HOW CAN I CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION WEEK? Reconciliation Australia encourages the community to hold events, such as those included at nrw.reconciliation. org.au/calendar
Everyone is encouraged to celebrate Reconciliation Week and actively understand the reasons why this important week exists. Every person can be active in their social circle, their school or work life or their neighbourhood to promote and ensure a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.
To enhance your own knowledge about Reconciliation Week, consider these ideas:
• Search online about Indigenous history. • Find out about the land on which you reside or work – what Indigenous land are you on? Who are the peoples of this land? What language(s) do they speak? • Learn about National Sorry Day, a day that remembers and honours the Stolen Generation. • Read about The Voice, Treaty and Truth.
WHAT ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PROGRAMS DO THE SALVOS RUN? Salvos programs and partnerships focus on supporting, empowering and encouraging community leaders, and aim to ‘Close the Gap’ by collaboratively working towards greater equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Various programs include early intervention, youth justice, housing, sports and others.
Learn more by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/ about-us/our-services/ aboriginal-and-torres -strait-islander-programs
ARE THE SALVOS COMMITTED TO RECONCILIATION? The Salvation Army cherishes and nurtures the oldest living culture on Earth. Our respect for the unique cultures, spiritualties, histories and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is documented in our Reconciliation Action Plan.
For more information, go to salvationarmy.org.au/ about-us/governance-policy/ our-commitment-to-reconciliation
