Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned photographs/videos on this website may contain images of deceased persons which may cause sadness or distress.

On the 27th of May, 1967 Australia said yes. A yes towards reconciliation. A yes towards equality. A yes to change the Australian Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census. The Referendum (which is to date Australia’s most successful referendum with 90.77% of all Australians voting in favor of the proposed change) symbolically represents an important step of recognition in the ongoing journey for reconciliation and is remembered as on additional step towards an inclusive nation that respects the rights and cultures of everyone. This date, the 27th of May, also marks the start National Reconciliation Week annually. The week concludes on June 3, which also coincides with the date in which the Mabo decision was made in the High Court (3 June 1992). The Mabo decision was another step in the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights, because it acknowledged their unique connection with the land. It also led to the Australian Parliament passing the Native Title Act in 1993.

”In 2020 Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation.

Much has happened since the early days of the people’s movement for reconciliation, including greater acknowledgment 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.

2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia.

As always, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Australians now benefit from the efforts and contributions of people committed to reconciliation in the past.

Today we work together to further that national journey towards a fully reconciled country.” (Reconciliation Australia, 2020)

“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.”
- Reconciliation Australia

You can download a compiled worksheet to use with your students for reconciliation week for free here.
The worksheet contains hyperlinks to all the resources listed below.

1. Reflect and Imagine
Watch the clip ‘Our History, Our Story, Our Future’ and use the following prompt to imagine what tomorrow’s Australia could look like: “I am ……………………… and I want Australia to ……………………..”. If I were the Prime Minister, I would ………………..”

2. Research David Unaipon
Do you know who’s face is displayed on the Australian $50 note? Research David Unaipon and share his story to your friends and family. Why you think he was selected to appear on our currency?

reconciliation week teacher resources free activities teacher downloads teaching resources

3. Create a reconciliation timeline
Choose at least five events from Australian history that highlight a step towards reconciliation and place these on a timeline. For each event, explain why that date was significant. You can use the ABC’s website ‘Right Wrongs’ for ideas.

4. Listen to ‘In Concert Together’
Tune into ABC Radio or the ABC listen app or watch on the Facebook Livestream on Reconciliation Australia, ABC Sydney or ABC Australia Facebook pages. Friday 29 May 2020 9pm - 10pm AEST.

5. Decorate your windows with Art
Explore some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks that are part of the National Gallery of Australia’s collection here. Print a free printable and colour in some art to display in the front-facing windows of your home.

6. Binge Watch ‘First Contact’
Watch the SBS series First Contact and create a list of all of all of the misconceptions. How did this TV show make you feel?

If you are seeking additional content and curriculum materials we recommend visiting Narragunnawali’s website.

Please note the videos in the link are recommended for Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)

The content is strong in impact

MA 15+ rated material contains strong content and is legally restricted to people over the age of 15. It contains elements such as sex scenes and drug use that could have a strong impact on the viewer.

A person may be asked to show proof of their age before purchasing or viewing an MA 15+ film or computer game.

Children under the age of 15 may not legally watch, buy or hire MA 15+ rated material unless they are in the company of a parent or adult guardian. Children under the age of 15 who go to the cinema to see an MA 15+ film must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film. The parent or adult guardian must also purchase the ticket for the child. The guardian must be over the age of 18 and exercising parental control over the child.

References:
Reconciliation Australia. 2020. National Reconciliation Week | Reconciliation Australia. [online] Available at: <https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/> [Accessed 23 May 2020].