Reconciliation Week 2021, which runs from this Thursday to next will mark 20 years since the 2001 Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk and recognise the anniversaries of the 1967 Referendum on 27 June and Mabo Day on 3 June.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Don Harwin encouraged people to embrace their relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the role everyone played in building reconciliation that valued First Nation’s people’s histories, culture and their futures.
“Reconciliation Week marks a significant period of the year where we come together as a nation to learn about our shared histories and the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” Mr Harwin said.
“In the coming week, I encourage everyone to reflect on how they can influence meaningful change across NSW,” he said.
“This is an important step to recognise how we can all contribute to reconciliation.
Mr Harwin said the Week was a time to acknowledge the Stolen Generations and pay respects to those who’d been lost.
He said National Sorry Day (today, 26 May) was a day of deep commemoration, reflection and truth-telling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“We give special recognition to all survivors today and the work they do to bring their stories to light that assist in the deeper understanding of the past,” he said.
“It is their voice, their stories and their truth.”
Mr Harwin said that as part of National Reconciliation Week, the 15th Annual Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Ceremony would be held on Friday (28 May) to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women.
He noted that Reconciliation Week was always held between 27 May and 3 June.
