More the a word, Reconciliation takes action

More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, the 2021 National Reconciliation Week theme, asks people to go beyond their awareness and knowledge, and use it as springboard to more substantive, brave action.

Having knowledge and then putting it into positive action is known as ‘follow-through’ …. something to be encouraged.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures

For reconciliation to be effective, it must involve truth-telling, and actively address issues of inequality, systemic racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, church  communities, organisations and as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time to be reminded of our commitment as children of God to the reconciliation journey for all Australians.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the nation’s reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Genuine Reconciliation lives in the hearts, minds and actions as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As history tells us, this will only happen through continued and concerted action from those who are already part of the reconciliation journey to those who are yet to join.

Moving towards a braver reconciliation requires a vision for what a just equitable and reconciled Australia looks like.