15 things to do in Canberra to celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2025
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Honour the past, act in the present and build a better future: this is the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week.
Taking place from Tuesday 27 May until Tuesday 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is a time for us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, while exploring how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, is an important and powerful call to continue this journey, drawing on the lessons of history to guide the way forward. But where do you start?
Here are 15 things to do in Canberra this Reconciliation Week to celebrate and honour the histories, cultures, and futures of our First Nations people.
Reconciliation Week Walks
Exploring the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations people, why not take a tour of the captivating artworks along Reconciliation Place?
Held from Monday 26 until Friday 30 June, the Reconciliation Place walks are free, although bookings are essential.
Monday 26 until Friday 30 May, 11 am | Reconciliation Place, Queen Elizabeth Terrace Parkes | Book here.
National Reconciliation Week Illumination
Pay a visit to Australian Parliament House to see it illuminated with the striking colours and design of Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), a 2023 artwork by Pitjantjatjara artist Michelle Lewis. Taking place for three nights only, the artwork depicts how the tjala (honey ants) tunnel through the sandy soil. Have we mentioned that it’s free?
Tuesday 27 until Thursday 29 May | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | More information here.
First Nations Experiences of Democracy Tour
Ever wondered about First Nations people’s experience of democracy? In this tour, you’ll hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change – from the Wiradjuri elders who travelled 150km to attend the opening of Old Parliament House to the activists who campaigned for a voice in Federal Parliament.
Running for 45 minutes, First Nations people should be aware that this tour includes names and images of deceased people.
Tuesday 27 May until Tuesday 3 June, 11 am | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Reconciliation Week Highlights Tour
This Reconciliation Week, the National Portrait Gallery is hosting a free highlights tour focussing on some of the remarkable, resilient, and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on display.
Exploring our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, the tour is friendly and informative while supporting visitors to make their own connections and reflections on First Nations history, culture, and people.
Tuesday 27 May until Tuesday 3 June, 1 pm | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Indigenous Stargazing at Parliament House
Join Indigenous Astronomer and proud Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay man Peter Swanton, and astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker to learn about Indigenous Astronomy.
Peter and Brad will guide you through Australia’s long and rich history of stargazing as you discover how First Nations people have used the skies as maps across a millennium, explore the scientific importance of stars on Country and how this knowledge is being preserved. Then, gather under the stars on the Australian Parliament House front lawns for some hands-on stargazing with the ANU Astronomy Society and their telescopes. Make sure to rug up!
Wednesday 28 May, 6 pm | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | Book here.
Reconciliation at CIT
Everyone is welcome at this celebration of Reconciliation Week at the CIT Bruce Campus. With a free BBQ starting from 12.30 pm and activities kicking off from 1 pm, there will be information and fundraising stalls, a Welcome to Country and talk from a Ngunnnawal Elder, a Wiradjuri Echoes performance, Bruce Campus nature walk (weather permitting) and more.
Wednesday 28 May, 12.30 pm | Canberra Institute of Technology, 1 Jack Flemming Place, Bruce | More information here.
Science, Country and Community: Indigenous Knowledges challenging the system
Join four brilliant emerging Indigenous scientists during National Reconciliation Week for a fascinating evening of conversation at the Shine Dome. This free event showcases innovative research including oyster reef restoration, coffee-enhanced concrete, and water decontamination using mining byproducts.
Hosted by Tiahni Adamson, 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year, featuring Dr Katrina Wruck (2025 Young Australian of the Year), Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch and Dr Mitchell Gibbs, joint recipients of the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Scientist Award.
Wednesday 28 May, 5.30 pm | The Shine Dome Canberra (also live-streamed) | Book here
Our Story: Aboriginal Chinese People in Australia
In celebration of Reconciliation Week, join the launch of Our Story: Aboriginal Chinese People in Australia, an exhibition that sheds light on the fascinating history of Aboriginal and Chinese relations in colonial Australia.
Exploring themes of identity, survival, resilience and cultural connection through personal accounts, archival photographs and documents, alongside artworks by some of Australia’s foremost contemporary First Nations artists, it’s a unique chance to learn about these untold stories.
This special event also features a panel conversation facilitated by National Museum of Australia First Nations Deputy Director, Dr Jilda Andrews, featuring exhibiting artists Gordon Hookey and Jenna Lee, along with exhibition curator Zhou Xiaoping.
Thursday 29 May, 6 pm | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton | More information here.
Djara and First Nations Sky Stories Moderated by Professor Brian Schmidt
Moderated by Professor Brian Schmidt, join artist Lynnice Letty Church (Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, and Kamilaroi peoples), educator Tyronne Bell (Ngunawal) and astrophysicist Peter Swanton (Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay peoples) as they share their knowledge and firsthand experience of First Nations peoples’ millennia long connection with the sky.
Make sure to check out the exhibitions before sitting down for the informative talk.
Thursday 29 May, 6 pm | Canberra Museum Gallery, 176 London Circuit, City | Book here.
1000 Voices for Reconciliation – A Yarning in Song
1000 Voices for Reconciliation – A Yarning in Song is a joint project of The OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service and Making Peas/ce. This powerful initiative honours stories of service, survival, and strength in the transformative power of storytelling through music, floral tributes and pilgrimage.
This landmark event will be attended by the Governor General of Australia and bring together voices from across the nation, including The OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service, community choirs, leaders, local elders and schools across Canberra, NSW, the Northern Territory and around the country, to share stories through song.
At its heart will be The Anthem of the Desert Pea, a deeply moving song that reflects resilience, remembrance, and the shared journey toward reconciliation. The event itself aims to honour the past, give voice to the present, and sing forward a more united future. 1000 Voices will be filmed and recorded for the music video and a single to be released later in the year.
Thursday 30 May, 12:30pm | The Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra | Book here.
How to Look at Art through Culture
Join First Nations Educators, Maggie Douglas, Kabi Kabi people, and Noah Watson, Butchulla & Kuku-Yalanji peoples, for a talk in Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. Taking part of the National Gallery of Australia’s National Reconciliation Week program, during the talk Maggie and Noah will share approaches to looking at First Nations art through the lens of culture, encouraging attendees to celebrate the vibrant living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and embrace the diversity of First Nations art practice.
This event is free, but capacity is limited, so make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Friday 30 May, 12 pm | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes |More information here.
Pizza & Pyjamas: Storm Boy
This Reconciliation Day, grab your comfiest PJs, bring your favourite teddy or blanket, and enjoy this extra-cosy, Friday night family screening of Storm Boy.
Staying close to the original book by Colin Thiele, the 1976 film version offers an uplifting take and stars David Gulpilil as Fingerbone Bill, an Aboriginal man who befriends the boy. And with pizza on arrival, dinner will be sorted as the whole family snuggles down to watch the Australian classic.
Friday 30 May, 6 pm | Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
ACT Reconciliation Day Drum and Dance Workshop
This fun filled day will be full of rhythm and movement, offering the opportunity to celebrate Reconciliation Day through the power of music and dance. Perfect for all skill levels (from seasoned pro to beginners), everyone is welcome to participate and immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of drumming and dancing.
Saturday 31 May, 10.30 am | Belconnen Community Centre, 23 Swanson Court Belconnen | Book here.
Reconciliation Day at Commonwealth Park
Take the family along to this free event at Commonwealth Park filled with live music, cultural performances, conversation, and food, all celebrating the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Taking place on Monday 2 June, from interactive workshops to cultural demonstrations that highlight the importance of reconciliation, face painting, zoo interactions, storytelling, and more, make sure you don’t miss the headline act – rapper and master storyteller Kobie Dee!
Monday 2 June, 10 am | Commonwealth Park | Find out more here.
Voices / Dhuniai gallery tour
Head along to the National Archives of Australia for a curator-led tour of their permanent exhibition, Voices / Dhuniai, as they delve into this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next.
You’ll take a journey through the history of the Australian Constitution, explore the impacts on First Australians and reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future as you view the original Constitution and hear the stories about the historical and ongoing struggle for constitutional recognition for First Australians.
Tuesday 3 June, 11 am | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
