National Reconciliation Week is coming up soon, starting on Monday 27 May to Monday 3 June. The week is a time for everyone to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and strengthen respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Having courage for truth-telling
The 2019 theme for National Reconciliation Week is: Grounded in Truth, Walk Together in Courage. The theme encourages us all to engage in challenging conversations and truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history.
Tyrell Ingram, from Winan Gidyal – the Albury-Wodonga Indigenous Student Centre, said that National Reconciliation Week is important to bridge communities.
Tyrell said: “We need to have the courage to talk about our history and past journey so we can move forward together. This courage is the first step needed to achieve reconciliation.”
Kristie Daley, a Student Liaison Officer (Indigenous) at Ngarralbaa, Port Macquarie campus, said she is excited to organise events that reflected on the 2019 theme for the week.
“We’re holding a yarning circle facilitated by two local elders from the stolen generations who will share their life stories. Aunty Rhonda Radley will also share her knowledge of Gathang language and speak about the 2019 year for Indigenous languages”, Kristie said.
Learning about the past
The lands where Charles Sturt University campuses are located have a long history of and continue to be important places of learning for First Nations people.
“We’re here to teach and encourage students in a safe manner to learn and engage in this history, which helps shape our learning experience, professional development and communities”, Tyrell said.
A week to strengthen relationships and shape the future
Kristie Daley said the week is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people to benefit everyone.
“To me it’s about closing the gap, equality, unity and historical acceptance for all Australians to understand and accept the wrongs of the past. The week allows us to make amends for past policies and practices to ensure these wrongs are never repeated”, Kristie said.
Join an event on your campus
To learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, we are holding on-campus events for National Reconciliation Week.
Check out the Charles Sturt Student’s National Reconciliation Week Facebook event to find out what’s happening on each campus.
All students, staff, Indigenous Elders and community members are welcome to join.
National Reconciliation week runs on the same dates every year – 27 May to 3 June, to commemorate the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.
We pay our respects to all First Nations elders both past and present from the lands where Charles Sturt University students reside. In particular, we acknowledge the Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Gundungarra and Biripai peoples of Australia, who are the traditional custodians of the land where Charles Sturt University campuses are located.
