National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June
This year’s theme is Grounded in truth. Walk together with courage.
‘At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds. Today, 80 per cent of Australians (and 90% of indigenous Australians) believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.’ (Reconciliation.org.au)
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/
Unpacking the 2019 NRW poster: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/tot-rationale.pdf
NRW 2019 guide (includes race relations and truth telling; respectful conversations): https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ra-nrw-2019-guide_v8.pdf
Reconciliation timeline 1770-2018: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/reconciliation-timeline-3.pdf
Resources and news: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/resources/
Excellent book list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-reading-1.pdf
Excellent film and TV list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-viewing.pdf
NAIDOC Week 7 July – 14 July
This year’s theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.
The theme highlights 3 key elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. ‘This theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy. Our sovereignty has never been ceded – not in 1788, not in 1967, not with the Native Title Act, not with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It coexists with the sovereignty of the Crown and should never be extinguished. Australia is one of the few liberal democracies around the world which still does not have a treaty or treaties or some other kind of formal acknowledgement or arrangement with its Indigenous minorities…The true story of colonisation must be told, must be heard, must be acknowledged…Then we can move forward together.’
https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2019-theme
Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017):
NAIDOC Week poster designer – Charmaine Mumbulla:
https://www.naidoc.org.au/news/charmaine-mumbulla-winner-naidoc-2019-poster-competition
Reconciliation Australia: What we are asking of the next Federal Parliament (May 2019)
3 key actions are required: 1. Address the unresolved issues of national reconciliation (eg. support issues raised in the Uluru Statement from the Heart; meet Closing the Gap targets) 2. Support truth telling initiatives at a local, regional and national level (eg. establish a healing centre and reform the school curriculum to better encompass indigenous culture and history) 3. Support work across the breadth of reconciliation issues.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-federal-election-key-asks.pdf
Final report from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Released in November 2018, the report recommends a bipartisan approach, including support for the establishment of a Voice to be co-designed between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, a clear timeframe is needed to ensure the Voice is realised in the next parliamentary term, maintaining momentum towards a referendum on constitutional recognition. The report did not, however, make a recommendation in relation to a treaty.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/report-a-good-step-now-parliament-must-deliver-reform/
Indigenous Knowledge
This project from the University of Melbourne helps teachers integrate Indigenous perspectives in their teaching. Resources are grouped around the 3 themes of Astronomy, Fire and Water. They are linked to the Australian Curriculum and are for Years 3 to 10 but can be adapted. Resources include Fire in song; Geometry of water sources and landforms; Indigenous astronomy, geography and star maps.
https://indigenousknowledge.research.unimelb.edu.au/
UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages
In 2016 the UN reported that 40% of the estimated 6 700 languages in the world were in danger of disappearing, with the majority of these being indigenous languages – putting at risk the cultures and knowledge systems of indigenous peoples. In Australia today, only 13 traditional Indigenous languages are still acquired by children (with over 250 spoken in 1788), with about 100 spoken to various degrees by older generations.
https://aiatsis.gov.au/IYIL2019
Indigenous Australian languages: https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australian-languages
AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia (languages and groups): https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/aiatsis-map-indigenous-australia
Gambay – map of Australia’s first languages (over 780): https://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/features/gambay-languages-map/
Word up – shares the diverse languages of Aboriginal Australia, one word at a time: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/wordup/
Right wrongs
An excellent resource. Short videos and informative text explore developments since the 1967 referendum which changed how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the constitution. Sections include: Controlled but not counted; Fighting for change; An extraordinary vote; The legacy; Where to now?
http://www.abc.net.au/rightwrongs/
ABC Education
Many resources – search under Topics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Includes History of Indigenous rights in Australia (video 14 min.); Dust echoes (animations of Dreaming stories); History of the Tent Embassy.
| Aboriginal agriculture, technology and ingenuity |
| Excellent new ABC Education resource. In short videos, renowned author Bruce Pascoe reflects on Aboriginal people’s relationship with plants, animals and technologies and celebrates the ingenuity of the First Australians. Journals of early explorers and other research shows evidence of vast agricultural fields, aquaculture systems, sophisticated use of fire and successful industries that existed in Australia prior to colonisation.
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ABC Indigenous
Access the latest Indigenous stories and features from ABC Radio, news & current affairs, TV and iview.
http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/default.htm
Awaye
Diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia and the best from indigenous radio broadcasters around the world. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or ABC Listen app.
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/
Creative Spirits
“Learn about contemporary Aboriginal culture without agenda”. Many resources in many areas including history, arts, people, economy, law and justice, politics and media, spirituality. “Creative Spirits is an amazing collection of history and an inspiring representation of Aboriginal culture”—Michele Hetherington, Aboriginal woman from NSW. www.creativespirits.info/
Reconciliation Film Club
Developed by Reconciliation Australia, NITV and SBS. This online platform supports organisations to host screenings of compelling documentaries from our leading indigenous filmmakers. Also includes links to other resources dealing with indigenous themes and issues.
https://www.sbs.com.au/learn/reconciliationfilmclub
Top end wedding
Romantic comedy starring and co-written by Miranda Tapsell. Directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires). A celebration of love, family and belonging set in the far north of Australia and Tiwi Islands. Great film!
NITV – National Indigenous Television
Informs, educates and entertains its indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. Great documentaries, news, personal accounts and perspectives.
Explore topics and link to videos: Social issues, Arts and entertainment, Social Justice… http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/topics
NITV programs include:
NITV programs on demand: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/channels/nitv
Movies on NITV: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movies/nitv-movies
The point: Current affairs and news for all Australians, with indigenous perspectives. https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/the-point
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-point
Family rules: Nine sisters navigate the modern world while trying to stay true to their mother’s values. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/family-rules
Grace beside me: The adventures of indigenous 13 year old Fuzzy Mac who keeps seeing ghosts. Based on the novel by Sue McPherson. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/grace-beside-me
The Dreaming: Animated stories explained by elders. http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/677413443508/the-dreaming-series-1-ep-24
Little J and Big Cuz: Provides a young indigenous audience with ‘relatable’ characters and offers an insight into traditional Aboriginal culture, country and language. Includes online educational games.
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/jarjums
SBS On Demand
A changing selection of films, documentaries and newsclips. Search for “indigenous” and “Aboriginal” programs.
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/
Books
Catching Teller Crow (2018) – Amberlin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina (children of Sally Morgan). A suspenseful ghost story and psychological thriller, written in prose and verse. Beth Teller is a ghost who can still communicate with her detective father. Together they solve a mystery and discover a shocking story. Winner of the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Young Adult. Winner of the 2018 Best Young Adult Novel, Aurealis Awards. ‘Told in two unforgettable voices, this gripping novel interweaves themes of grief, colonial history, violence, love and family.’ Great book!
Young dark emu: a truer history (2019) – Bruce Pascoe. The highly anticipated junior version of Dark emu, showing Australia as it was before Europeans arrived.
https://www.booktopia.com.au/young-dark-emu-bruce-pascoe/prod9781925360844.html
Dark emu (2014) – Bruce Pascoe. A new perspective on indigenous history, arguing against ‘hunter gatherer’ history and providing evidence of sedentary living and crops.
Too deadly (2017) – Us Mob Writing. Diverse collection of First Nations writings from a Canberra writers group.
Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (2018) – Anita Heiss (ed.). Anthology of diverse voices, experiences and stories. https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia
Terra nullius (2017) – Claire G. Coleman. Historical/speculative fiction with multiple perspectives. In the near future, Australia is about to experience colonisation once more. What has been learned from the past?
Knowledge of life: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia (2015) – Kaye Price (ed.) Investigates history, reconciliation, law, art, enterprise, health, education, literature, sport and human rights. The authors of each chapter are indigenous and experts in their field. Each chapter begins with biographical information about the author.