National Reconciliation Week 2024

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

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
Seven years ago, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the nation issued the Statement from the Heart, inviting their fellow Australians ‘to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent said ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote.  It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history.
Mabo Day is marked annually on 3 June. It commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Following the Mabo decision, Australia’s Federal Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993 which established a legal framework for native title claims throughout Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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

Mini Blak Markets & Cultural Weaving
Tuesday 28 May, 11am – 1pm
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.
Murri Trivia
Wednesday 29 May, 6 – 8pm
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.
Cultural Weaving
Wednesday 29 May, 11:30am – 1pm
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.
Exhibition: 'How We Remember Tomorrow'
Tuesday 28 May to Friday 31 May 10am-4pm
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

Thursday 30 May, 2pm – 4pm
03-309 and GCI Atrium, St Lucia

Join us for a screening of "We Don't Need a Map", Warwick Thornton's film about Indigenous astronomy. This will be followed by afternoon tea (using an Indigenous caterer) where attendees can have a discussion on the film.
Monday 27 May 12:00 – 12:30pm Wednesday 28 May 12:00 – 12:30pm Friday 31 May 12:00 – 12:30pm
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.

Conceptualising power: A conversation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives
Tuesday 28 May, 1-2pm
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.
National Reconciliation Week installation – Hand in Hand: Messages of Hope
Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May, 10am-4pm
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.
Tuesday 21 May, 9am-12pm
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.
Wednesday 29 May, 4pm - 5pm
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.
Wed 29 May 2024, 12:00pm - Tue 11 Jun 2024, 1:00pm
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.