Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) This week is Reconciliation Week. 

In class students will be learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and how each of us can explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. We celebrate National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) on the same dates every year for a very significant reason. May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum in 1967. That day saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. June 3 marks the 1992 Australian High Court delivery of the Mabo decision. It was the culmination of Eddie Mabo’s challenge to the myth that at the time of colonisation, Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one), that led to the recognition of the Meriam people as the Traditional Owners of the Murray Islands in the Torres Strait. This landmark decision paved the way for native title rights and interests over land and waters. The theme of National Reconciliation Week 2024 is “Now more than ever”, a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue. In the words of Reconciliation WA’s CEO Jody Nunn, “In a post-referendum environment there are some very real challenges that we need to confront and walk together to do the work”.

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