National Reconciliation Week (Australia) facts for kids

National Reconciliation Week is a special time in Australia. It celebrates the history and culture of Australia's First Peoples. These are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The week also helps Australians talk about and work towards reconciliation. This means building better relationships between all Australians. The week began in 1993 as the 'Week of Prayer for Reconciliation'. It became National Reconciliation Week in 1996.

Why We Celebrate Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is held every year. It runs from May 27 to June 3. These dates are very important in Australian history. They remind us of two big steps towards fairness for Indigenous Australians.

Important Dates in History

• May 27: This date marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum. In this vote, Australians decided to change the country's laws. These changes meant that Aboriginal people would be counted in the census. It also gave the Australian Parliament the power to make laws for them. This was a huge step for Indigenous rights.
• June 3: This date marks the anniversary of the Mabo v Queensland case in 1992. The High Court of Australia made a very important decision. It said that Indigenous people had a special connection to their land. This was called 'native title'. This decision changed Australian land law forever.

How Reconciliation Week Started

The idea for National Reconciliation Week came from a group called the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR). The Australian Parliament created this council in 1991. Its job was to help bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians closer.

In 1993, many religious groups started the 'Week of Prayer for Reconciliation'. This led to the CAR holding the first National Reconciliation Week in 1996.

People Walking for Reconciliation

Many Australians have shown their support for reconciliation. In 2000, a huge number of people took part in special walks. About 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In Brisbane, around 70,000 people joined the 'People’s Walk for Reconciliation'. These walks showed how many people wanted to see a more fair and understanding Australia.

What Happens During Reconciliation Week

Today, Reconciliation Australia organizes National Reconciliation Week. This is a special group that continues the work of the old CAR. They are a not-for-profit group. This means they work for a good cause, not to make money.

The week is a time to learn more about Indigenous cultures. It's also a time to think about how we can all work together. It helps everyone understand the history and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

National Sorry Day

The day before National Reconciliation Week starts is May 26. This day is called National Sorry Day. It was first held in Sydney in 1998. On this day, Australians remember the Stolen Generations. These were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families. Sorry Day is a time to honor them and think about the pain they suffered.