Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In acknowledging this year's National Reconciliation Week, we wanted to help extend the invite to you to a range of virtual events that will be being hosted across the course of the next week.
These events will help to educate while also amplifying the voices of First Nations people.
The four events listed below are all occurring online, allowing access from wherever you may be - very appropriate given Victoria's seven day lockdown announcement!
Be sure to check them out and engage in any way you can.
NGV Kids at home: Art Club with Jenna Le
Date: Saturday, May 29, 2021 - 11am to 12pm
Cost: FREE
Overview: Meet artists and designers online and explore the playful side of making art. Developed for primary-aged children, these 45-minute artist-led activities use everyday drawing materials and are designed to stimulate creative thinking. Children are welcome to participate on their own or get the whole family to join in the fun. Jenna Lee is a mixed-race Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri, Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Filipino) and Anglo Australian woman whose artistic practice uses paper, painting, projection, found objects, books and the written word to explore her identity, culture and childhood memories. Children can join Jenna in fun art-making activities inspired by her artwork and NGV exhibition Big Weather.
In acknowledgement of Reconciliation Week, Jenna will demonstrate how to create a drawing of kindness and respect and transform it into a paper heart using a simple origami folding technique. Materials required: sheets of paper, scissors and coloured markers or pencils.
Click here for more information and to register.
Teach for Australia: A conversation about 'More than a word'
Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - 7pm to 8.30pm
Cost: FREE
Overview: Join the Teach For Australia community for a conversation about this year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. Hear from First Nations Educators and allies to discuss how we can positively influence change in our personal life, work, and the schools and communities we work with. NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This panel discussion will hopefully act as a springboard to more substantive, brave action so that every child, regardless of background, has a greater choice for their future.
Click here for more information and to register.
A corporate yarning circle
Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 - 11.30am to 12.30pm
Cost: FREE
Overview: Whether you are at the beginning of your Reconciliation Acton Plan (RAP) journey, well into it, or even just thinking about taking the first step – everyone is welcome. The goal – to work together to drive action through shared learnings, experience and support associated with fulfilling a RAP.
Click here for more information and to register.
You Can't Ask That!
Date: Thursday, June 3, 2021 - 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Cost: FREE
Overview: Join Professor Tracey Bunda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit Academic Director; Michael Aird, Anthropology Museum Director; and artist Gordon Hookey as they participate in the 2021 National Reconciliation Week themed You can’t ask that: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action event. You Can’t Ask That is an opportunity to confront stereotypes, prejudices, bias and discrimination head-on. Submit your questions when you register to learn more about past and present actions at UQ such as the protest marches in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Click here for more information and to register.
