National Reconciliation Week - 27th May to 3rd June
National
Reconciliation Week is being celebrated at Cronulla library, at 10.30am on Monday 3rd
June.
Bookings
are still being taken.
An Aboriginal
Cultural Morning - Through Their Eyes, conducted by an Aboriginal Discovery Guide from the Royal
National Park will take us on a journey of understanding, sharing and cultural
learning. See and hear how for tens of thousands of years Aboriginal people
lived in harmony with the natural environment. Learn about their values and
relationships with the land, water, plants and animals.
Ever wonder why National Reconciliation Week is held during
this week? These dates are very significant dates in the history of our
country.
On the 27th May 1967 more than 90% of Australians
voted YES to the 1967 Referendum
question, which would give the Australian Government the power to make laws
concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and for these peoples
to be counted on the Australian census. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples already had the right to vote federally since 1962.
June 3rd 1992 the Australian High Court delivered
its landmark Mabo
Decision, which recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples have a special relationship with the land and that this relationship
still exists. This decision paved the way for land rights called Native
Title.
During National Reconciliation Week check out the profiles
of some of the ambassadors
for National Reconciliation Week and why they want to be a part of it. The
theme, Let’s Talk Recognition, focuses on how Australians can better recognise
each other, and the contributions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples. So why not use this opportunity to view the Share Our Pride website and
get a glimpse of life from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
perspective. The National Reconciliation Week website also has these resources to learn
more about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Or visit a library and
borrow an Indigiread.
