This year’s theme is “Bridging Now to Next” and places focus on connecting the past, present, and future, while urging Australians to look ahead and push forward together.
What is reconciliation all about and why is it important?
Reconciliation, at its heart, is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
It is recognising and acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have endured devasting land dispossession, violence and racism over Australia’s colonial history and about working together towards meaningful change, so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous people.
NRW commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the 1967 referendum and the High court Mabo decision. Learn more on the significance and history of NRW by reading this fact sheet.
This year’s theme
“Bridging Now to Next” is all about the ongoing connection between past, present and future. The artwork created by Kalkadoon woman, Bree Buttenshaw, features native plants known for their ability to regenerate after fire and for thriving through adversity. For access to this year’s posters & resources click here.
EMM’s commitment to Reconciliation
EMM is currently in the process of formalising our commitment to reconciliation via our Reconciliation Action Plan which will be resubmitted to Reconciliation Australia for review and endorsement shortly.
A key component of the RAP is to create stronger respect-based relationships and to create platforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have equity of opportunity both now and into the future. For us, this means being part of that shared journey by educating ourselves and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create more opportunities.
Once endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, RAP working group members will come together to implement the actions outlined in the RAP – so watch this space!!
Embracing “Bridging Now to Next”
Personal reflection - Stacey Kennedy
No Way Yirrikipayi!
My little boy started prep this year and brought home a welcome pack from school. In that pack was an amazing book called “No Way Yirrikipayi!”. The book was published by the children from Milikapiti School on Melville Island (Tiwi Islands) with Alison Lester through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. We absolutely love this book – at first, we were a little unsure of how to pronounce the beautiful Tiwi words but found online resources where local Elder (Nina Black) has been recorded reading the story. We have loads of fun reading along with the video trying our best to pronounce the beautiful language.
What I love about ILF is that they work with remote Indigenous Communities to increase access to quality resources with a focus on including culturally relevant books, books in First Languages, publishing Community stories and supporting Communities and families. The entire process is led, owned and authenticated by Community Elders and residents. I think this work is incredibly important as it supports early literacy, connection with language, culture and Community and provides opportunities for all Australians to engage with Indigenous languages and culture. In the spirit of this year’s National Reconciliation Week I just had to share. Please see links below if you are keen to check this out with the little people in your lives or just want to engage in the deadly work of the Milikapiti School legends and the ILF. ILF also accept donations to help support delivery of culturally appropriate books and resource kits where they are needed most!
Resources
National Reconciliation Week website
Indigenous Literacy Foundation website
No Way Yirrikipayi! Book
Rising Star video
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