National Reconciliation Week facts for kids

National Reconciliation Week is a special time in Australia. It's when people celebrate the amazing history and culture of Australia's First Peoples: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It's also a time to talk about and work towards 'reconciliation'. This means bringing people together and making sure everyone understands and respects each other's past and present. The week started as a "Week of Prayer for Reconciliation" in 1993 and became National Reconciliation Week in 1996.

A Look Back: How Reconciliation Week Started

The idea of reconciliation grew in Australia. In 1991, the Australian Parliament created a group called the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR). Their job was to help bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians closer together.

In 1993, many religious groups started a "Week of Prayer for Reconciliation." This was a step towards healing and understanding. Then, in 1996, the CAR held the very first National Reconciliation Week.

Why These Dates?

The dates for National Reconciliation Week are very important. It always runs from 27 May to 3 June.

• 27 May is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum. In this vote, Australians overwhelmingly said "yes" to changing the Constitution. This change meant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would be counted in the census and the Australian Government could make laws for them.
• 3 June is the anniversary of the Mabo v Queensland court decision in 1992. This landmark ruling by the High Court of Australia recognised that Indigenous Australians had rights to their traditional lands. This was a huge step for native title.

In 2000, many Australians showed their support for reconciliation. An estimated 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In Brisbane, about 70,000 people joined the People’s Walk for Reconciliation.

What Happens During Reconciliation Week?

Today, National Reconciliation Week is organised by Reconciliation Australia. This is a not-for-profit group that took over from the original Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. The week is a time to celebrate the rich history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It also encourages everyone to talk about and take part in activities that build better relationships between all Australians.

The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is also very important. It's called National Sorry Day. This day started in Sydney in 1998. It is held every year to remember and honour the Stolen Generations. These were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were sadly taken away from their families and communities by past government policies.

Reconciliation Day Public Holiday

Reconciliation Day is a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory. It marks the start of National Reconciliation Week. This holiday is held on the first Monday after or on 27 May, which is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum. The first Reconciliation Day public holiday was held on 28 May 2018.

See also

• NAIDOC Week, held annually in the same week as International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
• Reconciliation in Australia