All Canberrans are invited to participate in the fourth annual Reconciliation Day community event to be held on 31 May at the National Arboretum.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith said Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021 was More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
“Reconciliation day is an opportunity for all Canberrans to learn about the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“It is a time to respectfully engage in truth-telling and to think about our shared history and how it has shaped our society today,” she said.
Ms Stephen-Smith said she was pleased to see community events return after last year’s Reconciliation Day was recognised by Canberrans in their own homes due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Minister said Canberra’s Reconciliation in the Park event would be hosted at the Arboretum this year, instead of Glebe Park, to provide a larger open space for the community to come together and participate in activities.
She said Reconciliation Day event activities included live music; a yarning circle with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders; Ngunnawal language workshops; creative activities; guided cultural walks; screenings of short cultural and truth telling videos; a portrait exhibition and live panel discussion; bush tucker tastings; community games; and a free barbeque.
Ms Stephen-Smith said in addition to the Reconciliation Day events, local community groups, schools and organisations would run their own workshops, activities, and events to mark the Day.
