National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation journey. 

This year’s theme – ‘Our History, Our Story, Our Future’ – celebrates 25 years of formal reconciliation in Australia and the launch of the State of Reconciliation Report, which asks all Australians to reflect on our national identity, and the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights in our nation’s story.

‘Our History’ reminds us all that historical acceptance is essential to our reconciliation journey. Historical acceptance is about all Australians understanding and accepting the fact that past laws, practices and policies deeply affected the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, often having devastating immediate impacts and causing much of the disadvantage that exists today. It is also a commitment to ensuring these wrongs are never repeated in the future.

‘Our Story’ reflects the fact that the journey towards reconciliation forms a significant part of Australia’s story, as do the stories of both trauma and triumph told by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also encourages each and every one of us to make reconciliation part of our own story.

‘Our Future’ reinforces that reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, in the knowledge that we believe in fairness for everyone, that our diversity makes us richer, and that together, we are stronger.

Dive into the theme with students and children by organising events and discussions to celebrate NRW. And don’t forget to register your events, big and small, on the Reconciliation Australia website and share them on social media using the hashtag #NRW2016.