Reconciliation Week 2020 ‘In This Together’

National Reconciliation Week (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.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. 

This year’s theme is ‘In This Together’ and we all have a part to play in reconciliation. We all must stand up for what is right, we all must hear and value everyone, we all must work together to build upon our future. 

2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia. 

At Renmark High we have been introducing the film ‘In My Blood It Runs’ to staff and students. This has been a great resource to improve cultural awareness in our school community.

Our Aboriginal Education Team were involved in organising the staff PL (Professional Learning) session which revolved around the movie and the lives of young Aboriginal people, and how that connects with school-based education.

The Strong Futures class is hosting a ‘Race of Life’ event and has invited other classes and staff to participate. This event aims to educate our students and help them understand that everyone has their own race to run and everyone has a story.  

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.