“The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey of Aboriginal Australians – the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.
On 3 June, 1992, the High Court of Australia delivered its landmark Mabo decision which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land—that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights called Native Title. 2012 marked the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision.
The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.” http://www.reconciliation.org.au/
Resources and fact sheets: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/resources
Recognise (part of Reconciliation Australia) – the people’s movement to recognise Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution. “We want to see fairness and respect at the heart of our Constitution, and to remove discrimination from it. Our goal is a more united nation. This is a chance for Australia to acknowledge the first chapter of our national story, and to forge our future together – after so many chapters apart.”
News & info: http://www.recognise.org.au/
Share our pride (part of Reconciliation Aust.)
Resources section: info on famous indigenous Austns; books & articles; films.
Learn section: culture; shared history; beyond the myths; respectful relationships.
NAIDOC Week 7 – 14 July
This year’s theme: We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963. This year is the 50th anniversary of the presentation of the bark petitions to Parliament, protesting mining rights on Yolngu land & seeking recognition of Yolngu land ownership.
http://www.naidoc.org.au/celebrating-naidoc-week/2013-national-naidoc-week-theme/