Reconciliation
What is reconciliation?
“Reconciliation involves building mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and other Australians that allow us to work together to solve problems and generate success that is in everyone's best interests.
Achieving reconciliation involves raising awareness and knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, changing attitudes that are often based on myths and misunderstandings, and encouraging action where everyone plays their part in building a better relationship between us as fellow Australians.” Reconciliation Australia, 2011
A brief history of reconciliation in Australia ->
What does it mean?
It’s all about cultural awareness!
In order to create supportive relationships between Indigenous and other Australians, important dialogue must be had to understand the interrelationship of past events and the present situation.
Reconciliation means acknowledging Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders as the First Peoples of this land and recognising that this fact is still important today. Past injustices shown to Indigenous people by colonial settlers, such as the removal of people from their land and families (the Stolen Generations), are very relevant to the current discourse. Australians must be aware of not only our colonial history, but the rich Aboriginal culture that was here long ago and that still exist in the present time.
More information on the Stolen Generations ->
Although explicitly prejudiced practices (such as forced removal and the White Australia Policy) are widely accepted as part of Australia’s history, policies and procedures in Australia continue to favour non-Indigenous Australians and hamper justice for Indigenous people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain under-represented in positions of power and in the constitution. Reconciliation aims to ensure that the rights of Indigenous Australians are upheld and that the voices of Indigenous Australians are heard on contemporary issues.
More on constitutional rights->
Identity
Fostering an understanding of Indigenous Australian culture must also recognise the significance of land (country) to identity and belonging in Aboriginal culture. While great strides have been made to address the rights of traditional owners of land, much more must be done in order to rightfully recognise Indigenous Australians.
For an insight into the Australian Aboriginal worldview, read Mary Graham’s essay ->
Land and rights ->
Closing the Gap
A large part of realising reconciliation in Australia is reducing the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in health and social outcomes.
An Aboriginal child born in Australia today has a life expectancy that is 17 years less than other Australians, has a greater chance of living in poverty (with inadequate housing and sanitation), has a lesser chance of finishing high school (and even less likelihood of continuing to university) and is more likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol. {{{ two points here – are there actual statistics as to how much more likely/less likely they are for these things? And secondly, even as it stands, reference the year and report specifically that finds this – ie, the closing the gap report if that’s it, even though it’s got the heading and the link below, statistics should always be immediately referenced }}}}
Closing the Gap is a concerted effort by the Australian Government and numerous independent organisations to overcome these disadvantages experienced by Indigenous Australians. Sound health, adequate housing and a good education are entitlements that every Australian has the right to enjoy and this equality is an important and necessary aspect of reconciliation.
Closing the Gap ->
Everyone has a role to play
‘Reconciliation’ is often misconceived as an Indigenous issue, a problem for Aboriginal people to solve. The truth is that it is an Australian issue, concerning our entire nation. Australia is built on the wealth of land that was stolen and non-Indigenous Australia has benefited from that. It is up to non-Indigenous people to make a commitment to acknowledging what has happened in the past and addressing present power imbalances and inequalities, restoring integrity to the process of reconciliation.
How far have we come? ANTaR reconciliation progress report November 2010 ->
National Reconciliation Week
Every year from the 27th of May (the anniversary of the 1967 referendum) until the 3rd of June (Mabo Day), local events are run around Victoria and Australia to spread the message about reconciliation. Organised by community groups, councils, Indigenous organisations and workplaces, National Reconciliation Week is a chance for all Australians to unite and reflect on our shared histories and futures.
See Reconciliation Australia's calendar of events ->
What you can do
Learn more, get educated!
Recommended reading and resources ->
Contact your local reconciliation group ->
Talk to friends and family- continue the reconciliation conversation!