Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.
It is important for non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to pause and consider how formal Australian history education has hidden the true history of devastating colonisation as well as 60,000+ years of resilient culture and powerful knowledge. To reflect on how these things continue to influence society today and the role of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share power and step out of the way to allow for self-determination.
The RAP group at TACSI will invite non-Indigenous staff to reflect on questions, resources and events throughout this Reconciliation week (May 27 – June 2) to highlight this important time. It is an opportunity to reflect and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and our future together.
Historical acceptance
- Think about a time or an event that helped you understand the true history of Australia and share the impact it had on you and those around you.
- Where or who do you go to now to learn more about the true history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture?
Race relations
- What are the ways in which you are building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples? How are you learning about culture so you can create culturally safe spaces and relationships?
Unity
- Imagine a future where there is national unity. What does that look like? How could you and TACSI contribute to that future?
Institutional integrity
- Reflect on a way that you have contributed to reconciliation within the community and projects you participated in.
- Reflect on a way that you have created a wider range of opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Choose a way that you will intentionally do this in projects in the coming months.
Equality and equity
- How are you considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the geographic areas in which you work?
- As a non- Aboriginal and non-Torres Strait Islander person, how can you intentionally share power with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
- Think on the tools and practices that you have to create a more equitable engagement and partnership with Aborignal and Torres Straits Islander people?
