National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is recognised from Monday 27 May to Monday 3 June across Australia. The week provides an important opportunity for Australians to come together and learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is a time to reflect on the past and explore ways in which each of us can contribute to a more inclusive future.
As a nation, we should make a conscious effort to work towards reconciliation in all aspects of our lives. This will help us foster a society that values respectful relationships between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. For more information about reconciliation efforts, please visit Reconciliation Australia's website.
During National Reconciliation Week, many teams across UQ have organised events for both staff and students. We invite you to explore reconciliation at UQ, view our events program below, and join us in supporting this important initiative and working towards a better Australia.
Theme - ‘Now more than ever’
This theme acts as a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.
Now More Than Ever…we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us. Now more than ever, the work continues.
In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
Days of Significance
It's now 7 years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was issued at Uluru on 26 May 2017. Along with National Sorry Day and this year’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), it an important time for Australians to reflect.
Seven years ago, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the nation issued the Statement from the Heart, inviting their fellow Australians ‘to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’.
Seven years ago, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the nation issued the Statement from the Heart, inviting their fellow Australians ‘to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’.
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent said ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote. It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history.
3 June: Mabo Day
Mabo Day is marked annually on 3 June. It commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Following the Mabo decision, Australia’s Federal Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993 which established a legal framework for native title claims throughout Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
‘Lighting of Forgan Smith’
The University of Queensland’s Forgan Smith building will be bathed in red and yellow as part of National Reconciliation Week.
Events and activities
Mini Blak Markets & Cultural Weaving
Tuesday 28 May, 11am – 1pm
Student Central, St Lucia campus
Come experience the vibrant Blak Markets at Student Central! Explore and support Indigenous-owned market stalls, artists, and businesses while enjoying local Indigenous cookies. Don't miss the chance to participate in the cultural weaving workshop and immerse yourself in a celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity.
Student Central, St Lucia campus
Come experience the vibrant Blak Markets at Student Central! Explore and support Indigenous-owned market stalls, artists, and businesses while enjoying local Indigenous cookies. Don't miss the chance to participate in the cultural weaving workshop and immerse yourself in a celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity.
Tuesday 30 May and Friday 2 June, 11am – 2pm
UQ Art Museum, St Lucia
You're invited to the Alumni Friends of UQ Collection Study Room to see important artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Image: Tony Albert, “love boxes”, 2007, mixed media on vintage playing card boxes, dimensions variable. Collection of The University of Queensland, purchased 2008. Photo: Joe Ruckli.
UQ Art Museum, St Lucia
You're invited to the Alumni Friends of UQ Collection Study Room to see important artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Image: Tony Albert, “love boxes”, 2007, mixed media on vintage playing card boxes, dimensions variable. Collection of The University of Queensland, purchased 2008. Photo: Joe Ruckli.
Voices of Our Elders Aboriginal Story Tellers exhibition lunch time guided tour
Tuesday 28 May to Wednesday 29 May, 12-1pm
Anthropology Museum, Level 1, Michie Building (9), St Lucia campus
Presenting a selection of never before seen artworks, photographic portraits and a newly commissioned documentary film in recognition of Aboriginal people that have contributed to recording and maintaining history and culture.
Join us for a guided lunchtime tour to explore these artworks and objects, and the stories of individuals who saw a need to document what was around them through times of enormous change.
The continuation of strength and pride in Aboriginal cultures is shared through family connections, stories of great heroism and deep cultural knowledge passed on through songs, ceremony and language.
The panel will include current Indigenous women working in media and talk about their experiences and the way forward to bring all Australians on a reconciliation journey. Panlists include Emma Garlett, Sharleigh Crittenden and TBC.
Anthropology Museum, Level 1, Michie Building (9), St Lucia campus
Presenting a selection of never before seen artworks, photographic portraits and a newly commissioned documentary film in recognition of Aboriginal people that have contributed to recording and maintaining history and culture.
Join us for a guided lunchtime tour to explore these artworks and objects, and the stories of individuals who saw a need to document what was around them through times of enormous change.
The continuation of strength and pride in Aboriginal cultures is shared through family connections, stories of great heroism and deep cultural knowledge passed on through songs, ceremony and language.
The panel will include current Indigenous women working in media and talk about their experiences and the way forward to bring all Australians on a reconciliation journey. Panlists include Emma Garlett, Sharleigh Crittenden and TBC.
Wednesday 29 May, 4 – 5pm
Pyschology Building, St Lucia campus &
Online via zoom
In this interactive 50 minute hybrid session attendees will have the opportunity to participate in five allyship actions for National Reconciliation Week (this year's theme: Now More Than Ever). Each action will be presented by a psychologist from the Social Change Lab and briefly discussed in terms of relevant psychological theory and research.
Pyschology Building, St Lucia campus &
Online via zoom
In this interactive 50 minute hybrid session attendees will have the opportunity to participate in five allyship actions for National Reconciliation Week (this year's theme: Now More Than Ever). Each action will be presented by a psychologist from the Social Change Lab and briefly discussed in terms of relevant psychological theory and research.
Tuesday 28 May, 1-2pm
Learning Theatre (14-132), Sir Llew Edwards Building, St Lucia campus
This school seminar will showcase the work and activities of four Indigenous scholars working in university and non-university contexts. It draws on the fields of Art, History, Religion, Philosophy and Librarianship to illuminate relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing.
Image credit: A/Prof Fiona Foley's 2019 Film, '"Out of the Sea Like Cloud'. Premiered at QAGoMA, Cinema A, Brisbane.
Learning Theatre (14-132), Sir Llew Edwards Building, St Lucia campus
This school seminar will showcase the work and activities of four Indigenous scholars working in university and non-university contexts. It draws on the fields of Art, History, Religion, Philosophy and Librarianship to illuminate relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing.
Image credit: A/Prof Fiona Foley's 2019 Film, '"Out of the Sea Like Cloud'. Premiered at QAGoMA, Cinema A, Brisbane.
Hand in Hand: Messages of Hope
Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May, 10am-4pm
BEL Student Base (level 1, Colin Clark), St Lucia campus
All students and staff are invited to show their support of reconciliation by writing a message of hope and/or their name on a hand cut-out and adding it to the installation displayed in BEL Student Base. This is a self-guided activity which can be completed anytime throughout Reconilication Week.
BEL Student Base (level 1, Colin Clark), St Lucia campus
All students and staff are invited to show their support of reconciliation by writing a message of hope and/or their name on a hand cut-out and adding it to the installation displayed in BEL Student Base. This is a self-guided activity which can be completed anytime throughout Reconilication Week.
Tuesday 28 May to Friday 31 May 10am-4pm
UQ Art Museum, St Lucia campus
The exhibition highlights important contributions from Australian First Nations artists that ground the exhibition to the location where the UQ Art Museum stands, and also explore links and connections of reflection and solidarity across oceans. All artists in this exhibition engage with these themes in the context of their own connections to place. This exhibition offers poignant concepts for contemplation during this National Reconciliation Week, with timely learnings about the implications of colonisation for our natural resources and cultural histories.
UQ Art Museum, St Lucia campus
The exhibition highlights important contributions from Australian First Nations artists that ground the exhibition to the location where the UQ Art Museum stands, and also explore links and connections of reflection and solidarity across oceans. All artists in this exhibition engage with these themes in the context of their own connections to place. This exhibition offers poignant concepts for contemplation during this National Reconciliation Week, with timely learnings about the implications of colonisation for our natural resources and cultural histories.
Tuesday 28 May, 9am-12pm
UQ Poche Centre, High Street,Toowong
Drop in activity
To kick off Reconciliation Week, the UQ Poche Centre will be hosting a weaving circle led by the incredibly talented artist Carly Wallace, the creator of Durban Bagii.
This weaving circle will present a unique opportunity for participants to come together in an intimate setting, fostering connections and learning. Under Carly's guidance, participants will delve into basic coiling techniques and have the chance to create their very own woven masterpiece. Carly will share her personal story and journey behind her weaving practice, a tradition handed down to Carly from her elders and is a cultural practice she aims to keep alive by sharing her creations with people across Australia and the world.
Morning Tea will be provided.
UQ Poche Centre, High Street,Toowong
Drop in activity
To kick off Reconciliation Week, the UQ Poche Centre will be hosting a weaving circle led by the incredibly talented artist Carly Wallace, the creator of Durban Bagii.
This weaving circle will present a unique opportunity for participants to come together in an intimate setting, fostering connections and learning. Under Carly's guidance, participants will delve into basic coiling techniques and have the chance to create their very own woven masterpiece. Carly will share her personal story and journey behind her weaving practice, a tradition handed down to Carly from her elders and is a cultural practice she aims to keep alive by sharing her creations with people across Australia and the world.
Morning Tea will be provided.
Conceptualising power: A conversation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives
Tuesday 28 May, 1-2pm
The event will be a panel discussion on conceptualising power across Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. The panel would include a range of speakers coming from diverse positions and perspectives who would engage in a facilitated conversation about their understandings of power. This will include a couple of panellists coming from mainstream and critical political science/studies positions alongside those who will introduce Indigenous politics and approaches to power. We are in the process of finalising the panellists. At present they include:
Dr. Mary Graham, Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Political Science and International Studies
Dr Heloise Weber, School of Political Science and International Studies
Associate Prof Ryan Walters, School of Political Science and International Studies
Typanga Evans, Rotary Peace Fellow
Facilitator: Associate Prof. Morgan Brigg, School of Political Science and International Studies
The event will be a panel discussion on conceptualising power across Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. The panel would include a range of speakers coming from diverse positions and perspectives who would engage in a facilitated conversation about their understandings of power. This will include a couple of panellists coming from mainstream and critical political science/studies positions alongside those who will introduce Indigenous politics and approaches to power. We are in the process of finalising the panellists. At present they include:
Dr. Mary Graham, Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Political Science and International Studies
Dr Heloise Weber, School of Political Science and International Studies
Associate Prof Ryan Walters, School of Political Science and International Studies
Typanga Evans, Rotary Peace Fellow
Facilitator: Associate Prof. Morgan Brigg, School of Political Science and International Studies
Wednesday 29 May, 4pm - 5pm
Pyschology Building, St Lucia campus &
Online via zoom
In this interactive 50 minute hybrid session attendees will have the opportunity to participate in five allyship actions for National Reconciliation Week (this year's theme: Now More Than Ever). Each action will be presented by a psychologist from the Social Change Lab and briefly discussed in terms of relevant psychological theory and research.
Pyschology Building, St Lucia campus &
Online via zoom
In this interactive 50 minute hybrid session attendees will have the opportunity to participate in five allyship actions for National Reconciliation Week (this year's theme: Now More Than Ever). Each action will be presented by a psychologist from the Social Change Lab and briefly discussed in terms of relevant psychological theory and research.
Indigenous Voices in Media
TBC
TBC
The event will be discussing Indigenous voices in media, the backlash with the Voice Referendum, the racism encountered and how we can ensure Indigenous female voices are heard in the halls of power and in media considering the launch of the Wangi U Thangi Institute by departing ATSI Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar.
The panel will include current Indigenous women working in media and talk about their experiences and the way forward to bring all Australians on a reconciliation journey. Panlists include Emma Garlett, Sharleigh Crittenden and more.
TBC
The event will be discussing Indigenous voices in media, the backlash with the Voice Referendum, the racism encountered and how we can ensure Indigenous female voices are heard in the halls of power and in media considering the launch of the Wangi U Thangi Institute by departing ATSI Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar.
The panel will include current Indigenous women working in media and talk about their experiences and the way forward to bring all Australians on a reconciliation journey. Panlists include Emma Garlett, Sharleigh Crittenden and more.