TRANSCRIPT
Now More Than Ever - that's the theme of this year's Reconciliation Week.
After the unsuccessful Voice to Parliament referendum last year, Rana Hussain from Reconciliation Australia says it's more important than ever to lean into those difficult feelings.
"In 2024, what this week really is, and particularly with a theme of now more than ever, it's taking inspiration, and really understanding 1967 as one step in our journey towards true reconciliation in this country for all of us. And understanding that, you know, now more than ever, particularly given the fact that we had a referendum last year to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a voice to Parliament, that now more than ever is the time that we do come together and continue this fight."
Maurice Walker from the ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body says reconciliation week is about bringing people together.
"Reconciliation week is about looking at our past and bringing people together, and having an honest discussion about some of the history of our nation and, you know, just having those conversations and asking questions. I think that's probably the biggest thing for me around getting people together and starting a conversation about what is reconciliation. What, what does reconciliation mean to people, I know that for me, it's about just bringing people together and trying to reach a common understanding about how should we remember our past, and also celebrate our future."
The annual Reconciliation Week runs between two significant dates for First Nations' people in Australia - Mabo day, and the 1967 referendum.
The 1967 referendum recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as people, counted in the census, allowing the Australian Government to start legislating changes to address inequalities.
The week is observed across the country, but the Nation's capital is the only place that holds a public holiday.
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith says it's an opportunity for Canberrans to reflect on reconciliation.
"Today, of course, is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, which was a huge event in Australian history. And marks the beginning of reconciliation week, which ends on Mabo day on the third of June. So the whole country recognises reconciliation week, but the AC T is the only jurisdiction to have a public holiday to give all Canberrans the opportunity to reflect on the true history of our nation, our region and our city, and to think about how we can all contribute to the ongoing journey of reconciliation."
Mr Walker says the public holiday recognises the government's commitment to understanding and respecting First Nations' culture.
"Recognition is one of those things that that come to mind straightaway. I've just come back from Melbourne and Sydney on the weekend, and I mentioned that we we have a holiday on reconciliation day. And they're pretty envious about us having a holiday."
The ACT was also the only jurisdiction with a 'Yes' vote in last year's referendum.
Ms Stephen-Smith says that's a point of pride for the community.
"Here in the ACT, of course, we were the only jurisdiction to record a yes vote in the referendum. So we have a solid basis for reconciliation here. But we also need to reflect on what that national vote means and what more we can all do as a community to grow the understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the true history of our nation. That vote has been extremely hurtful for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
Mr Walker represents the ACT's voice to parliament - the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected body.
He says the territory is ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to reconciliation.
"When we talk about Canberra, and our surrounds, we just want to be together as a community and go forward. We're really proud of the fact that ACT was the only jurisdiction that voted yes in the country. And as people said we've still got a bit of work to do, in relation to bringing our whole community together, to maybe look at how we can represent our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but we're ahead of the game here in the ACT."
Ms Hussain says it's time for non-Indiegnous people step up to address inequity in Australia.
"I can't help but feel the obligation and responsibility and the opportunity to step up and step into this work, and pick up some of the load because I think it's about time that we did. And particularly as new migrants to this country, it's on us to learn about the history and to really recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice and self determination and to really listen to the truth. And so I think if people are feeling like it's too hard at the moment, I think that's the time to dig deep and and find our fellow allies, and peers and walk together."
And to recognise that reconciliation is important for all Australians.
"As non Indigenous people, we can often wonder, you know, what does reconciliation mean for the rest of us? We might know it's important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. What does that mean for the nation as a whole? And I think, for me, it is the way forward at a time where with the least social cohesive, there's the least amount of social cohesion we've seen. The world feels scary and hard. I think reconciliation is so much of the answer for what we need right now. It brings connection to us and brings us together, and it's the conversation that we need to have."
