The National Arboretum Canberra is to open its garden gates for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Day gathering and celebration next Monday (30 May) and all of Canberra is invited.
Co-Chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council and Ngunnawal leader, Selina Walker extended the invitation saying she wanted all Canberrans to celebrate fifth annual Reconciliation Day – not to be embarrassed or ashamed – but to come on board the journey.
Ms Walker said that between 10am and 3pm on the day, the Arboretum plans to host a free family-friendly event to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, food and entertainment.
“This event is a fun and engaging way for all Canberrans to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, engage in our culture, ask questions, have fun and be together,” Ms Walker said.
“After all, reconciliation is a human rights movement, and we need people to join our movement and continue making a difference.”
She said the event’s theme this year is Be Brave, Make Change, and the Arboretum’s event will be aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the national story through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance and music, art and craft workshops, a bush tucker demonstration, storytelling and more.
She said the community’s involvement in Reconciliation Day has had a significant impact on reconciliation in recent years.
“We’ve seen a massive shift in the way people think about reconciliation since the public holiday was declared – it’s prompted a conversation,” Ms Walker said.
“Often, people are interested and want to help, but they don’t know where to start and feel a little isolated. This is an avenue for them to begin to take action.”
The full event program for Reconciliation Week can be accessed at this PS News link.
