What is National Reconciliation Week?

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Visit Reconciliation Australia's website for more information.

UQ will be holding a number of events and activations throughout this week to commemorate National Reconciliation Week. Explore our online and on-campus program below.

Watch Professor Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor and President and Professor Bronwyn Fredericks talk about this year’s theme and how we at UQ have and can continue to take action on Reconciliation.

 

 

Theme - More than a word. reconciliation takes action

2021 marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia's formal reconciliation process. This year's theme More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. 

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We strive towards a more just, equitable nation by championing unity and mutual respect as we come together and connect with one another.

Much has happened since the early days of the people’s movement for reconciliation, including greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea; understanding of the impact of government policies and frontier conflicts; and an embracing of stories of Indigenous success and contribution. But there is still much to be done. Every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.

27 May - 3 June we celebrate National Reconciliation Week across Australia and at The University of Queensland. We encourage you to educate yourself on the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still face today; we push you to learn about Reconciliation and its significance in Australia today; and we invite you to attend events across UQ to continue your journey of exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Historical events of significance:

Week Highlights

UQ alumnus Professor Megan Davis was a member of the Referendum Council which designed a series of dialogues culminating in the creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017. Join Professor Davis, the Balnaves Chair in Constitutional Law at UNSW Sydney as she reflects on key concepts of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and important questions facing Australia on the path to a better future.
Join Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) in conversation with Professor Anita Heiss about the release of Anita’s latest novel, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray. Learn more about Anita’s writing and latest novel which is set on timeless Wiradyuri country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams, and based on devastating true events, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) is an epic story of love, loss and belonging.
Join us for a lively panel discussion on the National Reconciliation Week theme of More than a Word: Reconciliation takes Action. The School of Health and Rehabilitation is committed to taking action and we invite you to be part of the conversation to develop a list of Reconciliation actions we, as a School can take this year. The panel will be followed by afternoon tea featuring Bush Foods by Three Little Birds and networking.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with fellow students at Friday Knock Offs in the Natural Amphitheatre. Enjoy a live band, bar and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inspired food.
The Couch crew find out more about UQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan, take a look at the RAP Merchandise available through UQ Shop and explore the meaning behind the artwork.
Join Professor Tracey Bunda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit Academic Director; Michael Aird, Anthropology Museum Director; and artist Gordon Hookey as they participate in the 2021 National Reconciliation Week themed You can’t ask that: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action event. You Can’t Ask That is an opportunity to confront stereotypes, prejudices, bias and discrimination head-on.

National Reconciliation Week - Full Program

Date Time Event/Activity Channel/Location Registration
Monday 24 May 5:30-8pm

Global Leadership Series - Uluru Statement from the Heart 
Keynote Speaker:
Prof. Megan Davis

When the Uluru Statement from the Heart was released in 2017, it called for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to be enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
 
It was an important moment in our country's history, calling for structural reform to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a greater say in the laws, policies and services that impact them. 
 
UQ alumnus Professor Megan Davis was a member of the Referendum Council which designed a series of dialogues culminating in the creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.  
 
Join Professor Davis, the Balnaves Chair in Constitutional Law at UNSW Sydney as she reflects on key concepts of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and important questions facing Australia on the path to a better future.

The Long Room, Customs House, 399 Queens St, Brisbane Register
Tuesday May 25 10am-12pm

3T Events: The history of Aboriginal people and anthropology at UQ (in person)

In the 60 or so years following the 1930s there was a transition, from Aboriginal culture being considered a relic of a ‘disappearing race’, through to Indigenous people establishing themselves as professionals in the arts and cultural industry and challenging mainstream institutions on the way Indigenous society is portrayed.

During this event, Michael Aird will discuss some of the many individuals who have played a role in the way Aboriginal history has been documented and presented at the University of Queensland and the impact they have had on the broader community.

Anthropology Museum, UQ St Lucia campus Register
Tuesday 25 May 6pm

From the Couch TV segment

The Couch crew find out more about UQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan, take a look at the RAP Merchandise available through UQ Shop and explore the meaning behind the artwork.

UQLife Facebook Watch for Free
Wednesday 26 May St Lucia 10am-2pm
Herston 11.30am-1pm
Gatton 10am-2pm

Weekly events at St Lucia, Gatton and Herston 

Commemorate giving of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people. Learn more and add your message to the Heart Wall.

St Lucia, Duhig Lawn
Herston, Cafe Dose
Gatton, Central Walkway

Free to attend
Wednesday 26 May 11:30am-12:30pm

Taking Action on National Sorry Day

Join us on the Forgan Smith Upper Lawn to commemorate National Sorry Day. We will stand together to show our support for families impacted by the Stolen Generations and form the word "sorry" for a moment of silence and photo. After the photo enjoy light refreshments and a chat.

Forgan Smith Lawns

Free to attend
Thursday 27 May 12-1pm

In conversation: Professors Bronwyn Fredericks and Anita Heiss on Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray

Join Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) in conversation with Professor Anita Heiss about the release of Anita’s latest novel, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray.  Anita is an award-winning author of non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women’s fiction, children’s novels and blogs. She is a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation of central New South Wales, an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, the GO Foundation and Worawa Aboriginal College. Anita is a board member of University of Queensland Press and Circa Contemporary Circus, and is a Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.
Learn more about Anita’s writing and latest novel which is set on timeless Wiradyuri country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams, and based on devastating true events, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) is an epic story of love, loss and belonging.

Recording available now

Watch now
Thursday 27 May

Online: 3:30-4:30pm

Herston: 3:00-4:30pm

Gatton: 3:45-5pm

Launch of the UQRAP Network - Watch Party
Keynote speakers: Professor Bronwyn Fredericks and Professor Deborah Terry

The University of Queensland is proudly launching its new #UQRAP Network on Thursday 27 May to ensure a culturally-respectful workplace and study environment. Members of the #UQRAP Network will have opportunities to continue their cultural learning journey and engage with Reconciliation initiatives across UQ. You can find out more and register to join events at Herston, Gatton and via an online watch party. Due to COVID-19 the St Lucia campus event is by invitation only.

Watch Party, ZOOM live

Gatton - B.8103, R.132,

Herston - ES Meyer Building

St Lucia - By invitation

Watch Party

Register

Gatton Event

Register

Herston Event 

Register

Friday 28 May 4-6pm

Friday Knock Offs 

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with fellow students at Friday Knock Offs in the Natural Amphitheatre. Enjoy a live band, bar and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inspired food.

Natural Amphitheatre, St Lucia campus

Register

Free entry

Thursday 3 June 12.30-1.30pm

You can't ask that...More than a word Reconciliation takes action

Join Professor Tracey Bunda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit Academic Director; Michael Aird, Anthropology Museum Director; and artist Gordon Hookey as they participate in the 2021 National Reconciliation Week themed You can’t ask that: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action event. You Can’t Ask That is an opportunity to confront stereotypes, prejudices, bias and discrimination head-on.

Submit your questions when you register to learn more about past and present actions at UQ such as the protest marches in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

We have limited capacity for people to attend in person or you can join in online! See you there for a lively and informative panel!

ZOOM Register
Thursday 3 June 1:30-3pm

Taking Action on Reconciliation at UQ (Panel)
Panelists:
Sandy Braur, Jodie Booth, Carl Francia, Curtley Nelson, Kathrine Martin, Luke Case

Join us for a lively panel discussion on the National Reconciliation Week theme of More than a Word: Reconciliation takes Action. The School of Health and Rehabilitation is committed to taking action and we invite you to be part of the conversation to develop a list of Reconciliation actions we, as a School can take this year. Panel includes:

  • Carl Francia - Associate Lecturer - Saibai Koedal [North-Western Torres Strait] clansman
  • Sandy Brauer - Head of School
  • Kathryn Martin - Associate Lecturer - Murri [QLD] Aboriginal descent
  • Jodie Booth - Clinical Education Liaison Manager

With input from Curtley Nelson (Associate Lecturer, Dunghutti [NSW] descendant), Jenny Setchell (Senior Research Fellow), Nell Angus (Project Manager, Indigenous Engagement) and Luke Casey (Student).

The panel will be followed by afternoon tea featuring Bush Foods by Three Little Birds and networking.

Level 8, Building #84A Register
Thursday 3 June 5:30-8pm

Murri Trivia
Host: Professor Anita Heiss

Come along to St Lucy's for a fun filled evening of Murri Trivia hosted by Professor Anita Heiss,  celebrated author of award-winning non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women’s fiction, children’s novels and blogs!  We will have a lucky door prize and prizes for the winning team, best dressed team and individual and best team name.  Grab your friends and family or come along to join a table to learn and test your knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander facts! Food and beverages can be purchased from the Bar at St Lucy’s.  All welcome!

St Lucy's, St Lucia campus Register