Bridging Now to Next

The dates for National Reconciliation Week (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.

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.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

This week started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.

In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week.

In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation.

In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week-and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns-to show their support for reconciliation.

Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.

The beginning date - 27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The end - 3 June marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation.

The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.

Why is National Reconciliation Week Important?

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

National Reconciliation Week is a vital opportunity to reflect on and work toward a more just, equitable, and reconciled Australia. It encourages individuals, schools, workplaces, community groups, and other organisations to deepen their understanding of reconciliation and explore how they can contribute within their own spheres.

The week has its origins in 1993 as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation, supported by major religious groups across the country. In 1996, it evolved into National Reconciliation Week under the guidance of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, now known as Reconciliation Australia.

On a personal level, it’s a chance to learn more about the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s also a meaningful time to have conversations with family and friends about the importance of respectful relationships and the shared responsibility we all have in advancing reconciliation in Australia.