Eight ways to celebrate and commemorate Reconciliation Day 2024
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Reconciliation Day is Monday 27 May and the theme for 2024 is ‘Now More Than Ever’.
It’s a solemn and powerful reminder that the fight for justice and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders needs to continue – because when it comes to tackling racism, treaty-making, truth-telling, and understanding our national history, the work never stops.
But how can you help the fight? And how can you be well-informed while doing it? This year Canberra is hosting a range of events to celebrate and commemorate Reconciliation Week (taking place from Monday 27 May until Monday 3 June) and everything that comes with it.
Here’s a curated guide that will hopefully inspire you to continue the fight as you learn about the culture and history of Canberra through the eyes of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. From education comes action and from action comes change – and with change, comes reconciliation.
Reconciliation Day at Commonwealth Park
Showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, food, music, and entertainment, this free family-friendly event offers ample opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s national story.
From witnessing a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country to trying your hand at traditional crafts, you can be part of the conversation while participating in the culture.
Monday 27 May, 10 am – 3 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue Parkes | More information here.
Hear Their Stories, Amplify Their Voice – Reconciliation Place Public Walks
In this free event, you’re invited to experience the power of storytelling while celebrating Australia’s shared heritage. Join tour guides at Reconciliation Place as they explore the captivating artworks.
Less than a kilometre in length, it’s short but impactful – because by better understanding our past, we become a voice for generations, embracing the spirit of reconciliation and paving the way for a more inclusive Australia. Bookings are essential.
Monday 27 until Friday 31 May, 11 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 2 pm | Reconciliation Place, Mall Road West, Parkes (meet at the picnic shelter) | Book here.
Reconciliation Story Time
The National Archives of Australia wants to engage young learners with First Nations Stories this Reconciliation Day, which is why they’re hosting an interactive story time session.
Celebrating Indigenous Australian culture through storytelling, performance, and craft, children two to six years old are invited to attend and enjoy a range of activities – including creating their very own Bunyip.
Monday 27 May, 10 am – 11 am | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Indigenous stargazing at Australian Parliament House
Want to know know more about Australia’s long and rich history of stargazing? Join Indigenous astronomer Peter Swanton and astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker under the stars on the front lawns of Australian Parliament House.
You’ll discover how the skies have been used by First Nation’s peoples as maps to navigate seasons and guide cultural practices across a millennium and explore the scientific importance of stars on Country as well as how this knowledge is being preserved.
Thursday 30 May, 7 pm – 8 pm | Parliament House, Parliament Drive, City | Register here.
Reconciliation Week Screenings at the NFSA
In honour of Reconciliation Week, the National Film and Sound Archive is holding some special screenings of powerful films telling First Nations stories.
The Last Daughter is an inspiring documentary chronicling Brenda Matthews’ journey of trying to understand her story and reconcile the two sides of her family. TOOMELAH is a powerful feature from award-winning First Nations director Ivan Sen, following the story of troubled 10-year-old Daniel. Both showing on Saturday 1 June, they offer a fresh insight into the lives and experiences of First Nations Australians.
Saturday 1 June, with sessions at 1 pm (The Last Daughter) and 6 pm (TOOMELAH) |
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book tickets here.
Support local Indigenous businesses
Looking to support Indigenous Australians with an entrepreneurial streak, or ensure your dollars help maintain Indigenous jobs?
Here’s our list of Indigenous businesses that do a range of remarkable things here in Canberra – from furniture design to homewares, to ICT supply, to ethical Indigenous art, and “on country” designs for school uniforms.
Even if you want to learn more about Indigenous creatives or corporations operating locally, it’s a great way to promote responsible, respectful, and honest conversations about reconciliation.
Immerse yourself in First Nations art
Canberra’s national museums and galleries are home to extensive collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, perfect for spending a few hours immersing yourself in First Nations history, culture, and connection to Country.
For 32 years, the Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery has been giving a temporary home to bold, exciting and extensive collections from acclaimed artists and communities and art centres around Australia while at the National Museum of Australia you’ll find the free First Australians exhibition, where First Nations stories are powerfully honoured across two gallery floors.
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is home to Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings, a powerful exhibition that tells stories of dispossession, destruction and the sadness of First Nations peoples prevented from protecting and caring for Country and at the National Portrait Gallery, you can see the acclaimed Vincent Namatjira: Australia in Colour exhibition.
Take an Indigenous-led tour
Want to hear local Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians interpret various sites of significance in and around Canberra? Join a Dhawura Tour and travel back in time to become a part of ‘The Dreaming’. Offering full day, half day, and twilight tours as well as traditional weaving workshops, traditional doll and animal making workshop, bush tucker cooking class and Ngunawal language introduction classes, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture.
For something a little different, Ngala Tours offers a forty-minute guided bus ‘Discovery Tour’ that goes around the National Arboretum (where you’ll learn the stories of the forests) as well as the opportunity to walk on Country. Join the Indigenous Education Officer for a guided walk and yarn, where you will see native plants that are used for medicinal, culinary, and cultural use.
If that’s not enough you can also discover art on Country with a tour that combines the cultural and scenic sites within the National Arboretum Canberra with a visit to the only Aboriginal owned Art Gallery in Canberra. It’s a great way to learn about Aboriginal culture in a relaxed and beautiful natural setting.
Feature image supplied by ACT Government.
