By Amari Leiva-Urzua and Chloe Sipeki
At TAFE, Reconciliation Week is one of the most important weeks of the year and at the heart of our diverse community.
This year, with the theme Now More Than Ever, there is an array of events and activities where students are able to engage, connect and create impact.
But first…
What is Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week is held every year from May 27 to June 3. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories and cultures with First Nations People and work towards reconciling the socio-cultural divides within our communities.
The week begins by marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It concludes this Sunday, symbolically remembering the 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised Native Title.
While there has been progress there is still a long way to go in order to reconcile and strengthen the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation Week at TAFE
A Reconciliation Week barbeque was held on Wednesday morning, offering the perfect opportunity for media students to gain some insights from the healthy crowd.
Journalism students Imogen Abott and Chloe Ryan asked members of the TAFE community how we can bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in our communities. Here is what they had to say:
“I think just learning from each other, learning the different ways, being together and, most importantly, respect, we have to respect each other’s opinion and culture,” said a student.
“Bridging the gap is going to take a concerted effort from everyone involved, but it is important because it is also about the gap that needs to be bridged toward western society ways of thinking to be more aligned with traditional First Nation ways of thinking, so closing the gap is not only meeting a western standard but learning from these communities,” said Richard Cass, the TAFE NSW Director of Media, Art, Design & Entertainment.
The music students also gathered a choir to perform the song Blackfella/Whitefella as part of Reconciliation Australia’s social media initiative. Communities from around Australia have taken part in the initiative to raise awareness for the week.
TAFE will also be announcing the recipients of the 2024 Gili Awards, recognising the exceptional achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students selected across the state. It will also recognise the innovative programs and dedication of TAFE NSW staff members in helping empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
On Friday, TAFE Radio students will be hosting a Reconciliation Week-themed radio show with our own Indigenous journalism student Ellyarne Donovan as co-host. The show will feature a number of guests including Melbourne-based First Nations singer-songwriter Canisha. So make sure to keep an ear out and tune in here.
Beyond TAFE …
Reconciliation Australia has listed various events that will be held across Sydney for the remainder of the week. Here are some highlights:
First Nations Art at 388 George St – May 27 to June 14
A small art market will give you the chance to purchase an original piece by a First Nations artist. Works will include those by Murri man Jason Douglas, whose people belong to the tribal lands of the Kabi Kabi of south-eastern Queensland, including Noosa, and Trevor Eastwood, from the Ngamba people on the Barwon River, part of Kamiloroi country, on the outskirts of Brewarrina, NSW.
Guided Walk at Brown’s Waterhole – Friday May 31
From 10am to 12pm join a free guided walk through the bush to Brown’s Waterhole at Turramurra and learn about the local plants, wildlife, Indigenous history and cultural significance of the Wallumedegal clan.
Koojay Corroboree 2024 – Friday May 31
From 11am to 1pm, Coogee Beach will come to life with Aboriginal dancers performing both traditional and contemporary dance. As an annual initiative, this event seeks to showcase the deep connection between First Nations People and the Dreamtime.
Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise – Saturday June 1
This three-hour cruise around the Sydney Harbour is a unique opportunity to learn about pre-colonial life in Sydney. You’ll find out about cultural traditions of the Aboriginal communities that resided in the area and hidden meanings behind significant Sydney landmarks.
Click here to find out more and get yourself a ticket.
Bondi Beach Book Swap – Saturday June 1
From 2.30pm to 5.30pm Bondi Beach will host a book swap to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) and provide books and learning resources to children living in remote communities across Australia. So come along and grab a book to help the fundraisers.
Featured image: Reconciliation Week is already underway, so get involved. Photo: Reconciliation Australia