Australia marks Reconciliation Week every year from 27 May to 3 June – in 2021, the theme for the week is “More Than a Word, Reconciliation Takes Action.” It draws on two very salient points: 1) after all the ‘listening and learning’, activism requires us to actually do something with what we’ve learned, and, 2) the responsibility for achieving reconciliation falls on non-Indigenous people – we’re the ones who need to do the making up. With that in mind, here are four practical things you can do to help achieve reconciliation in Australia.
Why not challenge yourself to complete all four before the end of Reconciliation Week?
1. Read the Uluru Statement From the Heart
Created in May 2017, the Uluru Statement From the Heart calls for three necessary changes: Voice, treaty, truth. After months of consultation with First Nations people across the country, the statement outlines how the government should recognise, incorporate and politically empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.
It calls for the creation of a Voice to Parliament – a permanent institution to communicate First Nations’ views to Parliament, embedded in the Constitution – and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to oversee negotiations between the community and government.
2. Write to Your MPs For Their Stance On the Issues
Where do your Federal and State representatives stand on the issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people? Write to them and ask.
Or better yet, find out their stance – running a search on They Vote For You (for Federal politicians) is a great place to start – and write to them about how you, as a constituent, feel about their position.
Make your feelings known about:
- Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14
- The growing rate of the Indigenous prison population
- Why Australia is the only colonial nation that doesn’t have a treaty with its Indigenous people
- Proposed changes to the national school curriculum to include the Indigenous perspective on Australia’s history
Reconciliation Week is around the corner… so, what does this mean for ALL Australians? More than a word, reconciliation takes action – Four points all Australians need to consider and action as we head into Reconciliation Week 27th May – 3rd June 2021 #NRW2021 @RecAustralia pic.twitter.com/0FZznjehp1
— Sobah Beverages (@SobahBeverages) May 22, 2021
3. Provide Feedback on the National Curriculum
Speaking of those curriculum changes, you can voice your support for those changes to the school curriculum directly. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has set up a site for public feedback – set aside some time to submit it here.
To recap, ACARA has proposed teaching Indigenous perspectives on Australia’s history, including the fact that many First Nations people consider ‘Australia Day’ to be ‘Invasion Day’. Truth-telling about the history and foundation of this country is a crucial part of achieving reconciliation. However, Federal Minister for Education Alan Tudge has already voiced his concern about the changes – he wants to make sure ‘Western’ history remains a priority.
The new curriculum needs the approval of Tudge and all state Education ministers before it can be implemented. Write to them on this topic too!
4. Ask Your Workplace If They Have a Reconciliation Action Plan
By putting a RAP in place, organisations can support their business goals while also taking action to help achieve reconciliation in Australia. The plan details a list of strategic, practical actions that will strengthen the organisation’s relationship with First Nations people and help close the equity gaps in our society (e.g.: budgeting to spend specifically with Indigenous businesses, providing employment opportunities, sponsoring or donating to initiatives, etc). Each plan is specific to the business and the industry it operates in. It’s much better than a token morning tea!
If your workplace does have a RAP, are there any ways you can get involved? If your workplace does not have a RAP, make a case for why they should start the process. Just remember that RAPs should always be developed in consultation with the community – for large organisations and multinational companies, Reconciliation Australia has an official development program.
