10+ ways to spend National Reconciliation Week 2026 in Canberra
Posted on
Every year, National Reconciliation Week offers a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, highlighting how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
It’s a powerful and important time; one that reminds us that reconciliation won’t happen by itself. Running from Wednesday 27 May until Wednesday 3 June, this year the theme for National Reconciliation Week is All In.
National Reconciliation Week is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. It’s a reminder that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity – and it’s not solely the responsibility of First Nations people. It’s something that everyone needs to act on to make true and lasting change.
All In is a call to action – how will you answer?
Here’s how to spend National Reconciliation Week in Canberra.
Reconciliation Day in Canberra
This free, family-friendly event is Canberra’s biggest celebration of Reconciliation Day. Taking place on Monday 1 June, it will bring together locals to learn, connect and take steps toward a fair and inclusive future.
This year, ARIA Award-winning artist and proud Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti woman Casey Donovan will headline the celebrations, leading a program of live music, dance, storytelling and cultural activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and voices. She’ll be joined by performers including Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, Liam Keenan and Wiradjuri Echoes.
Held at its new home in John Dunmore Lang Place, the event will also feature workshops, food, cultural activities and a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Monday 1 June, 10 am – 3 pm | John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes | More information here.
The Sapphires
Based on an incredible true story, The Sapphires is an epic tale of how four fierce and fabulous Yorta Yorta women blazed a trail from their small-town roots to the frontlines of Vietnam.
Showing at the Canberra Theatre Centre from Saturday 30 May until Sunday 7 June, during National Reconciliation Week, go along to watch the sparkling new production, featuring the next generation of First Nation superstars led by original director and theatre legend, Wesley Enoch.
It’s a powerful cultural anthem to the solidarity and soul of First Nations’ sisterhood.
Saturday 30 May until Sunday 7 June | Civic Square, London Circuit, City | More information here.
Reconciliation Week at the NFSA
This National Reconciliation Week the National Film and Sound Archive is showing two special screenings at the Arc Cinema. On Thursday 28 May, go along to watch One Mind, One Heart at 7 pm – the story of three rediscovered bark petitions that helped spark the movement towards recognition of Aboriginal rights – followed by a Q&A session with director Larissa Behrendt.
On Sunday 31 May, High Ground will be showing at 2 pm. A frontier thriller that follows Travis (Simon Baker), a former soldier turned policeman and a young Aboriginal man, Gutjuk (Jacob Junior Nayinggul), as they team up to track down Baywara (Sean Mununggurr) – a warrior blamed for terrorising white settlements – it’s a fictionalised retelling of a true story. It will also be followed by a Q&A with director Stephen Johnson.
Thursday 28 and Sunday 31 May | National Film and Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | More information here.
National Reconciliation Week tours at the NPG
Held daily at 1 pm from Wednesday 27 May until Wednesday 3 June, these free tours will highlight the works of the remarkable, resilient and inspirational First Nations peoples on display at the National Portrait Gallery.
The program is wheelchair accessible and runs for 45 minutes, perfect for an educational afternoon out.
Wednesday 27 May until Wednesday 3 June | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
First Nations Experience of Democracy Tour at MoAD
Ever wondered how First Nations Australians have created change in politics? This tour will teach you about the Wiradjuri elders who travelled 150km to attend the opening of Old Parliament House, the activists who campaigned for a voice in Federal Parliament and more.
Held daily from 2 pm to 3 pm during National Reconciliation Week. First Nations people should be aware that this tour includes names and images of deceased people.
Wednesday 27 May until Wednesday 3 June | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
National Reconciliation Week at CIT
Head along to the CIT campuses for two special National Reconciliation Week events. Including a free First Nations inspired BBQ, a Welcome to Country and talk from a Ngunnnawal Elder, Brindabella Dreaming cultural performance and interactive activities, pop into the Woden campus on Thursday 28 May and the Bruce campus on Tuesday 2 June from 12 pm.
Thursday 28 May and Tuesday 2 June, 12 pm | 36 Bradley Street, Phillip and 35 Vowels Crescent, Bruce | More information here.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week at Parliament House
Australian Parliament House is marking National Reconciliation Week with a program of free events, talks, tours and cultural experiences for all ages.
One of the highlights this year will be the illumination of the Parliament House façade with Numbat Night – a striking work by Walmajarri artist John Prince Siddon. Lighting up the building from Wednesday 27 until Friday 29 May, the artwork draws together contemporary life, ancestral creation stories and the artist’s signature “all mixed up” visual style inspired by Kimberley carving traditions, Dreamtime stories and desert iconography. Prince’s original artwork will also be displayed inside Parliament House until October 2026.
Plenty is happening beyond the projection, too. Join Indigenous astronomer and proud Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay man Peter Swanton for an evening of Indigenous Stargazing alongside the ANU Astronomy Society, hear ANU Vice-President (First Nations) Professor Peter Yu speak at the Parliamentary Library lecture Where are we and what is Reconciliation today?, or take part in the popular Yeribee Tour exploring Indigenous parliamentarians, artworks and the history of Parliament House.
Wednesday 27 May until Wednesday 3 June | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | More information here.
Bugiya Yesterday Nhaway Today Buraadja Tomorrow: Stories from the Wreck Bay
Looking for something a little different to do? Go along to the launch of Bugiya Yesterday Nhaway Today Buraadja Tomorrow: Stories from the Wreck Bay People.
An anthology of creative writing from the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Jervis Bay and joint managers of Booderee National Park, the book features poems, stories and memoirs by 31 community members – from elders to the very young.
Developed in partnership with creative writing staff in the University of Canberra’s Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, it will be celebrated with lunch and refreshments and will be available for purchase at the event.
Friday 29 May, 12 pm | 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | More information here.
National Reconciliation Week Live Concert at the National Carillon
Weaving together Indigenous Australian voices and international anthems of hope, justice and unity, join Senior Carillonist Dr Thomas Laue and acclaimed Wiradjuri-Tongan vocalist Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga for this special National Reconciliation Week concert.
Taking place from 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm, you’ll hear Joe Geia’s anthem Yil Lull, Midnight Oil’s powerful land rights statement Beds are Burning – which is also the featured song for National Reconciliation Week 2026 – John Farnham’s You’re the Voice, Andra Day’s Rise Up, Bruce Woodley’s We are Australian and more.
Showcasing the National Carillon’s 57 bells alongside Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga’s soaring vocals, don’t miss this free event.
Saturday 30 May, 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm | Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes | More information here.
Reconciliation Day: First Nations family history tour
This special ‘behind the scenes’ tour includes an introduction to the Library’s Bringing Them Home Oral History Project, where they recorded 340 deeply personal stories from people affected by the laws and policies that created the Stolen Generations.
But that’s just the beginning at the National Library. There will also be cultural performances, workshops, sporting activities and other activities, as well as the chance to work with expert librarians to find out about the available resources for researching First Nations family history at the library, and online via Trove. The tour is free to attend but bookings are essential.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this resource contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive, including the images and records of people who have passed away.
Monday 1 June, 11 am – 1 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West | More information here.
Yeribee Tour at Parliament House
Hear the stories of Indigenous parliamentarians and experience artworks from the Parliament House Art Collections by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this special tour held at Parliament House.
From looking at The Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, to the Yirrkala bark petitions and pieces from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the Parliament House Art Collections, it’s an insightful look at a side of history not often spoken about.
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12 pm | 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | More information here.
