Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week in Australia is held annually from May 27 to June 3, and it's a time for all Australians to learn about the cultures, histories, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also promotes respectful relationships and shared understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Students will be participating in various activities to build understanding this week. Celebrating Reconciliation Week at Modbury School P-6, we focus on respect, understanding, and connection.
This year, we focus on three significant dates that hold deep meaning and invite us to engage in truth-telling.
May 26 - National Sorry Day
Observed the day before Reconciliation Week begins, this day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, known as the Stolen Generations. It is a time to reflect on the uncomfortable truths of our past and the enduring impact on Indigenous communities.
May 27 - The 1967 Referendum
On this day, Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the federal government to create laws for them. This was a significant step towards equality, yet it also reminds us of the long journey still ahead in addressing systemic inequalities.
June 3 - Mabo Day
This day commemorates the High Court of Australia's decision in 1992 to recognise Native Title, overturning the concept of 'terra nullius'—the false notion that Australia was land belonging to no one before European settlement. While this was a landmark victory for Indigenous land rights, it also highlights the ongoing struggle for land justice and recognition.
This week we have engaged in a number of activities to continue to build our understanding of the rich history of our First Nations people.
🖤💛❤️Sorry Day
On this day each year, we reflect on the immeasurable harm done by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities, which we now refer to as the Stolen Generations. We acknowledge the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities, and recommit to playing our part in the process of healing and reconciliation.
🖌️ Art Activities Using Indigenous Symbols and Dot Painting
Use dot painting techniques with cotton buds or fingertips. We explored Aboriginal symbols (e.g., for water, people, animals) and make collaborative story artworks.
📚 Read Dreamtime Stories
Shared picture books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors to read.
🧠 Language Learning
Teach a few simple words from the local Aboriginal language (e.g., hello, thank you, animal names).
🌿 Nature Walk and Connection to Land
Take a walk and talk about caring for the land like the Traditional Custodians do. We engaged in basket weaving to be able to collect natural items and make nature collages, discussing respect for the earth.
Yarning Circles
We sat around our firepit and engaged in Yarning Circles discussing respect for our land, country and each other. We cooked damper and potatoes in our fire pit and Marisa led us in a yarning circle discussion.
Wear it Yellow Day
Reconciliation Week donuts
Bridging Now to Next - 2025 song
Our students all learnt the Reconciliation Week song for 2025 and shared this at our Reconciliation Week assembly. This year's song was 'Solid Rock' by Goanna.