National Reconciliation Week 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.
This year’s theme is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’ and it urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Organisers, Reconciliation Australia, say reconciliation is a journey for all Australians—as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation.
At the heart of this journey, it says, are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aldinga Library, Old Reynella’s Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre, Hackham West Community Centre, Aberfoyle Park Community Centre and Noarlunga’s Hopgood Theatre are all hosting events.
The libraries are also hosting a free online talk with celebrated Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi author, Stan Grant, which you can experience from home.
Check out the list of five ways you can get involved in National Reconciliation Week below.
1. Watch a film
Special screenings of the film ‘In My Blood It Runs’ will be taking place for free at Aldinga Library (Friday 28 May), Aberfoyle Park Community Centre (Sunday 30 May) and Hackham West Community Centre (Friday 4 June).
The film follows 10-year-old Dujuan—a child-healer and a good hunter that speaks three languages—as he faces the history that runs straight into him. Dujuan realises that not only has he inherited the trauma and dispossession of his land, but also the resilience and resistance of many generations of his people.
Tickets are free—follow the links above to get yours via Eventbrite. The screenings are presented by Onkaparinga Libraries and Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc.
Over at Noarlunga’s Hopgood Theatre, the free short film showcase Nunga Screen (Wednesday 2 June) will feature an entertaining program of independent films for all ages from emerging to more established filmmakers, dedicated to bringing communities together to share in culture.
2. Join the Southern Reconciliation Week Community Event
A free community event is taking place at Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre on Tuesday 1 June (10am–12pm) with morning tea and a range of activities being provided.
Enjoy weaving with Aunty Janice Rigney, a clay workshop with Jannaya Williams, rock art with Corey Turner, story time with Onkaparinga Libraries and dreamlike yoga with Kathryn Bullock.
The event is being delivered in partnership with Joining Hands and Minds, which is a group of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and local service providers that come together to affect positive change.
3. Enjoy a Southern Deadly Yarn with Stan Grant
Southern Deadly Yarns, the award-winning series of free online author talks, has returned, and one of Australia’s most respected and awarded journalists and authors will deliver his talk on Thursday 3 June.
Stan Grant is Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man with a powerful grasp on identity, politics, literature and philosophy, and his most recently published books include With the Falling of the Dusk and On Thomas Keneally.
Register for Stan’s talk via Eventbrite and check out the full schedule of talks, which run until NAIDOC Week, at council’s website. Southern Deadly Yarns is presented in partnership by Onkaparinga Libraries and Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc.
4. Join a Dreaming Stories or Kaurna Art session
Join Woodcroft Library and Trent Hill in Dreaming Stories (Friday 28 May, register via Eventbrite), an introduction to some of the symbols commonly used in Aboriginal art.
Animal tracks, signs and symbols are drawn, stories told and the connection to the Dreaming and totems with the land will be discussed in this 45 minute session, suitable for ages 7+.
Kaurna artist Corey Turner will also lead a hands-on art workshop [SOLD OUT] over two evenings at Noarlunga Library on Thursdays 27 May and 3 June.
The workshop includes a Welcome to Country, education on the different art styles of mobs across Australia and guided painting of a canvas to keep.
5. Take action for reconciliation
The 2021 National Reconciliation Week theme urges us all to take action for reconciliation.
Organisers have put together a fantastic list of 20 actions you can take for reconciliation, which includes moving from ally to accomplice, calling out racism, and knowing your local history.
See the full list at the National Reconciliation Week website.
City of Onkaparinga has recently taken important steps towards reconciliation by establishing council’s inaugural First Nations People Advisory Group, and in a ceremony that recognised the the Tjilbruke Dreaming Track’s sacred, cultural and spiritual importance and the work and activism of Senior Kaurna Meyunna Woman, Georgina Williams.