Zoe Moffatt
As Australia celebrates its 27th National Reconciliation Week, Yoorrook Justice Commission talks about the origin of the week, and what people can do to increase their understanding.
National Reconciliation Week is commemorated annually for Australians to learn about the country’s shared histories, cultures, and achievement, while exploring reconciliation.
Yoorrook assistant director education Brent Ryan said the week is signified by two historical dates on May 27 and June 3.
“On the 27th of May… was when we were actually included in the census in Australia,” Mr Ryan said.
“The 1967 referendum was the day that [Indigenous Australians] were finally counted as humans in our own country.
“[The week] is then anchored on June 3… that’s the day of the Mabo decision [where]… in 1992 the High Court agreed that First Nations people in Australia had occupied the land before British arrival.
“That was projecting and getting rid of that term Terra Nullius, so two big days for us.”
When talking about the week, Mr Ryan said it is different to Naidoc week and focuses on the strengthening of relationships.
“Reconciliation week is… about strengthening relationships between both us Aboriginal and Torris Strait Islander People but also non Indigenous peoples,” he said.
“I suppose the benefit is that we can live in a harmonious country and know and understand the rich culture that our First People have brought in.”
Mr Ryan said it is important for non-Indigenous Australians to get involved with the week and learn about the history from Indigenous Australians.
“As we only make up 3 per cent of the population, it probably is on non-Indigenous allies to be open to learn about the past.
“To have more knowledge, respect and understanding for our people… will in turn mean a fairer and more just society.”
“There’s so much to read and learn and understand about things in the constitution and what does Aboriginal voice and self-determination look like.
“It’s a nice time in May to begin that [research] or amplify a bit further before [the Voice to parliament] referendum.”
Macedon Ranges council will be holding a range of events for the week, including a smoking ceremony and yarning circle in Kyneton on June 1 and one in Riddells Creek on June 4.
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