20Years of reconciliation
Reconciliation is a shared journey towards a shared future that all Australians should be part of.
Aboriginal artist Nancy Bates wrote a song dedicated to this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme ‘In This Together’, which premiered on the Rec in the West Facebook page. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, it was terrific to see us all come together to recognise and support reconciliation by joining in the conversation online and tuning in to virtual events. In addition, our HIPPY Australia (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) team in Adelaide’s south worked together to create a stunning artwork that acknowledges reconciliation. Fifty-two families were asked to consider what reconciliation means to them and present their responses on a template of a hand. The final piece was created by local artist Aunty Daphne (Kaurna, Ngarrinderi, Latji Latji Elder) and is now on display at the Christies Beach community site.
This year marks 20 years since the reconciliation walks of 2000, including the iconic walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Those early walks marked a strong shift in national consciousness and today, we are reminded that it’s more important than ever for people to connect with the truth of Australia’s history and work together towards reconciliation. This year AnglicareSA, together with partners Life Without Barriers, Uniting SA and Tauondi Aboriginal College, took the annual National Reconciliation Week event online. The ‘Reconciliation in the West’ event, which normally attracts a crowd of more than 1,000 South Australians each May, was transformed into a live Facebook lunchtime concert featuring local Aboriginal singer-songwriter Nathan May.
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