UQ Life

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.

Students, staff and community reflect and form the word "sorry" on Forgan Smith Lawn for National Sorry Day 2021.
Students, staff and community reflect and form the word "sorry" on Forgan Smith Lawn for National Sorry Day 2021.

Theme - Be Brave. Make Change.

2022 marks over twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia's formal reconciliation process. This year's theme "Be Brave. Make Change." is a challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.

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 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:

  • 26 May - National Sorry Day and anniversary of the giving of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people
  • 27 May - 1967 Referendum
  • 3 June - Mabo Decision Day

Events, panel discussions and activities
Bush Food Workshop
Come along to a Bush Food Workshop with Bruce Morgan from Murri Tukka. Bruce will share his knowledge and experiences of Bush foods and you will get to sample a few foods too!! All welcome and we hope to see you there!
Uluru Statement from the Heart 5 Year Anniversary Walk and Action
Make Change is the 5 Year Anniversary of the the Uluru Statement from the Heart to the Australian people. This is your opportunity to take action and show your support by joining us in a walk around the Great Court of UQ, St Lucia Campus.
HASS and Research Data Commons - Let's play! (online)
UQ partners in eHASS share insights with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC). The session features team presentations from the projects developing language data commons, social science research infrastructure, a partnered activity with the Indigenous Data Network, and UQ’s Digital Cultures and Societies Hub is also joining in.
55 Years On - The 1967 Referendum (online event via Zoom)
As this year's National Reconciliation Week's theme of Be Brave Make Change is heard, we think back to the courage and tenacity shown to advocate for change through the landmark 1967 referendum.
You can’t ask that: Be Brave. Make Change
Join us for a live panel discussion reflecting on this year's National Reconciliation Week theme, Be Brave Make Change where challenging questions may help you consider how bravery can be the catalyst for change makers.
Mabo: 30 years on
State Library of Queensland invites members of the Torres Strait Islander community to celebrate the Legacy: Reflections on Mabo exhibition and acknowledge the remarkable life, politics, activism, and legacy of Eddie “Koiki” Mabo.
Online Film screening - In My Blood It Runs - National Reconciliation Week
Join us in this online watch party for the film "In My Blood It Runs". In My Blood It Runs is an observational feature documentary following 10-yr-old Arrernte Aboriginal boy Dujuan as he grows up Alice Springs, Australia.
Artist Workshop with Indigenous Artist Ang Bennett
Ang is a Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman living on Darkinjung land. Ang will guide you throughout the 3 hour workshop, you will learn about indigenous designs and what they represent while creating your own artwork. Seats are limited so get in quick.
School of Psychology Reconciliation Week Panel
Join the School of Psychology in a panel discussion on the 2022 National Reconciliation theme “Be Brave. Make Change” theme.
National Reconciliation Week: First Nations artists in the UQ Art Museum
For National Reconciliation Week UQ Art Museum invites staff, students and members of the public to the Alumni Friends of UQ Collection Studies Room to spend time with important Collection works by First Nations artists.
Writing so fresh!
Writing so fresh! A happy collaboration of HASS Indigenous Engagement and the School of Communication and the Arts.
Inaugural National Reconciliation Week Lunch
The Inaugural Reconciliation Lunch at St John's College celebrates National Reconciliation Week, 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.
Online: The BlackWords Book Club - Brother Moon by Maree McCarthy Yoelu
Join us for the second BlackWords Book Club meeting of 2022 where we'll be joined by Maree McCarthy Yoelu and discuss her children's picture book, Brother Moon.
Q&A with Judge Nathan Jarro
Join us for a Q&A with Judge Nathan Jarro, Judge of the Queensland District Court and Queensland’s first Indigenous judge. Judge Jarro will discuss his pathway through law, his experience practising law and the significance of law for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Yarning Circle - Reconciling Identity
Pull up a bean bag, talk about themselves and listen to the stories of others at Yarning Circle: Reconciling Identity. Yarning circles are a harmonious and creative way of communicating, that fosters respectful and honest interaction between people. It is a safe space to be heard and to listen, without judgement – everyone’s voice is equal in a Yarning circle.
Indigenous Governance, head, heart, and hands - Dialogue Session
This session brings together for the first time ever powerhouse thinkers and doers in Indigenous Governance from Australia and Aotearoa, Dr Josephine Bourne and Ms Lil Anderson.
School of Health and Rehabilitation Science Reconciliation Week Panel
Join us for a lively panel discussion on the National Reconciliation Week theme of Be Brave : Make Change. The School of Health and Rehabilitation is committed to taking continuing to have brave conversations that enable people to listen, reflect and plan for change.
Murri Trivia Night (Online) National Reconciliation Week
Join UQ co-hosts Corin from the Goorie Berrimpa Collective and TJ from the South Pacific Islander Association for a Live Trivia night via Zoom in celebration of National Reconciliation Week!