National Sorry Day, 26 May, acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture. It is important to take a moment to reflect on the very sad history associated with the Stolen Generations and recognise moments of resilience, healing and the power of acknowledging past events.
To follow on from this, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) takes place from the 27 May – 3 June. The week-long celebration builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. This year, the theme for National Reconciliation Week is “Don’t Keep History a Mystery”, inviting us to Learn, Share, and Grow together – by exploring our past, learning more about First Peoples histories and cultures, and developing a deeper understanding of our national story.
The dates that start and end the annual National Reconciliation Week are significant milestones in the journey towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all Australians.
On May 27 in 1967, the Federal Government held a referendum asking Australians if parts of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia that discriminated against the country’s First Peoples should be removed.
On June 3, The High Court of Australia handed down its decision on what is popularly known as the Mabo case.
This decision legally recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as having a continuous and special relationship with the land otherwise known as the Native Title Act 1993.
As Australia commemorates these significant milestones, the City encourages it’s community to reflect on how they can be involved in Sorry Day or NRW; through researching and learning about these significant milestones in history, or taking part in a local reconciliation event.
The City is currently on a journey of reconciliation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through the delivery of 71 actions as a part of its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
To find out more about the City’s RAP, visit: https://www.perth.wa.gov.au/living-community/community-programs-and-init...
Click here to view a list of events and activities taking place around the metro area during National Reconciliation Week. Please contact the event organisers for more information or to RSVP.