National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history’s, cultures and achievements.

This week offers us a time to reflect on what has been achieved, and explore how we can continue to contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year, from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June, these dates commemorate two very significant events in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation – The 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. The week is preceded by National Sorry Day on the 26th of May.

This year’s theme is “More Than a Word” urging the movement of reconciliation to take action. At Sadadeen we will be commemorating the week with a range of activities.

A liturgy will be held to acknowledge National Sorry Day on the 26th of May, this will followed by a Wear it yellow day on the 27th of May, an event which is organised by Children’s Ground. Funds raised from the event will be given directly to Children’s Ground so that they can put it towards more educational resources for children in local communities.

During the week we will be recording some peoples views on what reconciliation means to them, these clips will be collated and displayed at the assembly on Thursday the 3rd of June.

A small indigenous artwork competition will also be held during the breaks on the 2nd of June, the winner of which will receive a pair of shoes to be given out at a later date.

We will also have some guest speakers coming down from Children’s Ground for the closing assembly to talk a bit more about what reconciliation is and how we can help to achieve it.

Finally, all of the students will be watching the film “In my Blood it Runs” in class throughout to give some insight into some of the struggles first nations people still face today, specifically in an educational setting.

A display is also set up in the Sadadeen library for all students and staff to peruse during the week.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, in playing our part we all contribute to building a better future for all Australians. We give thanks to the local Arrernte elders that have helped up prepare this week.

- Mr Calib Hearn (AIEW – Sadadeen Campus)