National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is recognised annually from 27 May to 3 June. The week provides an important opportunity for Australians to come together and learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is a time to reflect on the past and explore ways we can contribute to a more inclusive future.
As a nation, we should consciously work towards reconciliation in all aspects of our lives. This will help us foster a society that values respectful relationships between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. For more information about reconciliation efforts, please visit Reconciliation Australia's website.
During National Reconciliation Week in 2024, many teams across UQ organised events for staff and students. We invited them to explore reconciliation at UQ, view our events program below, and join us in supporting this important initiative and working towards a better Australia.
Theme – 'Now more than ever'
This theme acted as 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.
Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted yes are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people and are with us. Now more than ever, the work continues.
In treaty-making, truth-telling, understanding our history, education, and tackling racism, we need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
Days of Significance
Lighting of Forgan Smith
Throughout National Reconciliation Week, UQ's Forgan Smith building was bathed in either red and yellow or green and blue to represent the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Events and activities in 2024
Student Central, St Lucia campus
Come experience the vibrant Blak Markets at Student Central! Explore and support Indigenous-owned market stalls, artists, and businesses while enjoying local Indigenous cookies. Don't miss the chance to participate in the cultural weaving workshop and immerse yourself in a celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity.
Saint Lucys, St Lucia Campus
Come along for a fun filled evening of Murri Trivia hosted in honour of National Reconciliation Week. Get a team of up to 6 people together and come along.
FULLY BOOKED.
Cental Walkway, Gatton campus
Amidst the study hustle, take a breather and broaden your cultural horizons with our Cultural Weaving Workshop. Relax and unwind as you yarn with your peers, weaving special mementos to cherish or share with loved ones.
UQ Art Museum, St Lucia campus
The exhibition highlights important contributions from Australian First Nations artists that ground the exhibition to the location where the UQ Art Museum stands, and also explore links and connections of reflection and solidarity across oceans. All artists in this exhibition engage with these themes in the context of their own connections to place. This exhibition offers poignant concepts for contemplation during this National Reconciliation Week, with timely learnings about the implications of colonisation for our natural resources and cultural histories.
Image: Rosella Namok Old Girls Yarning into the Night 2024. UQ Art Museum Window Commission, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and FireWorks Gallery, Brisbane. Photo: Joe Ruckli
Anthropology Museum, Level 1, Michie Building (9), St Lucia campus
Join us at the Museum for a special guided tour of the exhibition Voices of Our Elders, Aboriginal Story Tellers in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week from 12:00 to 12:30pm. Free and all welcome.
UQ Anthropology Museum presents a selection of photographic portraits, never seen before artworks and a newly commissioned documentary film in recognition of the Aboriginal people that have contributed to recording and maintaining history and culture of south east Queensland.
Learning Theatre (14-132), Sir Llew Edwards Building, St Lucia campus
This school seminar will showcase the work and activities of four Indigenous scholars working in university and non-university contexts. It draws on the fields of art, history, religion, philosophy and librarianship to illuminate relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing.
BEL Student Base (level 1, Colin Clark), St Lucia campus
All staff and students are invited to show their support of reconciliation by contributing to our ‘Hand in Hand: Messages of Hope’ installation at BEL Student Base, level 1 Colin Clark Building. Write a pledge for change, a message of hope, or sign your name in solidarity on a paper hand (materials provided) and add it to the installation. This is a self-guided activity which can be completed anytime during Reconciliation Week.
UQ Poche Centre, High Street,Toowong
To kick off National Reconciliation Week, the UQ Poche Centre will be hosting a weaving circle led by the incredibly talented artist Carly Wallace, the creator of Durban Bagii.
This weaving circle will present a unique opportunity for participants to come together in an intimate setting, fostering connections and learning. Under Carly's guidance, participants will delve into basic coiling techniques and have the chance to create their very own woven masterpiece. Carly will share her personal story and journey behind her weaving practice, a tradition handed down to Carly from her elders and is a cultural practice she aims to keep alive by sharing her creations with people across Australia and the world.
Morning Tea will be provided.
Psychology Building, St Lucia campus &
Online via zoom
In this interactive 50 minute hybrid session attendees will have the opportunity to participate in five allyship actions for National Reconciliation Week (this year's theme: Now More Than Ever). Each action will be presented by a psychologist from the Social Change Lab and briefly discussed in terms of relevant psychological theory and research.
Online
The event will discuss Indigenous voices in media. It will look at the backlash from the Voice Referendum, and the racism indigenous people encountered. It will also discuss how we can ensure Indigenous female voices are heard in the halls of power and in media, considering the launch of the Wangi U Thangi Institute by departing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar.