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National Reconciliation Week is the annual commemoration of two significant milestones in First Nations reconciliation history. Occuring between 27 May and 3 June, it marks the 1976 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

The national event, which first began in 1993, is an opportunity for Australians to learn how they can help build stronger communities that value First Nations peoples, histories, cultures and futures. 

National Sorry Day

Preceding National Reconciliation Week is National Sorry Day, which has been recognised annually on May 26 since 1998, a year after the first "Bringing Them Home" report was published as a result of a government inquiry into the Stolen Generations.

National Sorry Day serves as a solemn recognition of the mistreatment of First Nations peoples by the Australian Government. It is a day to acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations Survivors and offers all Australians a chance to reflect on the stories of the Stolen Generations and to consider how they can help Australia take steps towards healing and reconciliation.

What is Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey towards reconciling the fundamental and unresolved wounds in Australia's national identity. Reconciliation Australia says that:

In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.

How is the Watarrka Foundation working towards Reconciliation?

As a non-profit organisation which supports the Aboriginal community in the Watarrka Region of the Northern Territory, the Watarrka Foundation is commited to the creation of thriving, independent and self-reliant Aboriginal communities. The Foundation carries out projects and provides programs to promote life skills and resilience among the Watarrka community, with a special emphasis on the region's youth.

Over the years, the Watarrka Foundation has supported Reconciliation by uplifting Aboriginal community through projects such as hosting the annual Sports & Storytelling Festival, implementing the Fat Bikes Program and other initiatives to motivate students to attend school, and supporting education by establishing and enhancing school facilities, most recently by providing satellite internet access to the Lilla outpost. 

Be a Voice for Generations

This year, the theme of National Reconciliation Week is Be a Voice for Generations, which encourages all Australians to take action in their day to day lives to be a voice for reconciliation. 

Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine says:

The theme calls on Australians to honour the work of generations past who fought for justice in Australia and to work together today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the generations to come.

How you can get involved

This National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week, you can get involved by:

• Learning the stories of the Stolen Generations and reflecting on the shared history of Australia.
• Celebrating First Nations achievements, such as watching First Nations films, reading books authored by First Nations writers, or visiting a gallery to engage with the work of First Nations artists.
• Considering how you can be a Voice for Generations where you live, work and socialise.
• Attending a National Reconciliation Week event near you. 
• Supporting organisations which work towards Reconciliation such as the Watarrka Foundation.

To support the Foundation and our projects within the Northern Territory, make a donation at www.givenow.com.au/watarrkafoundation