Reconciliation

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What is Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is a political and social campaign which seeks to address the injustices and imbalances that have led to the marginalisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian society. Reconciliation seeks to acknowledge historical injustices and redress social, economic and political disadvantage amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reconciliation is also about forging new relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community; respect for Indigenous cultures and identities, and indeed all Australians; and with an expectation that all Australians will enjoy equality and equal opportunity in Australian society.

Australian History Resources for staff - this list is intended to provide a range of current resources to staff who are interested in improving their understanding of Australia's Indigenous/non-Indigenous history so that we can move forward together.

News and events

Reconciliation Week
27 May - 3 June

Reconciliation Week is framed by two important dates. May 27 is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum giving the Commonwealth Government powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. June 3 is the anniversary of the High Court's 1992 decision in the Mabo case recognising the native title rights of Australia's Indigenous peoples.

National Reconciliation Week offers all Australians the opportunity to express their commitment to reconciliation and to get involved in reconciliation activities in the community.

Both staff and students have a key role to play in Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This year the Equity Section will outline 5 easy ways to get involved in Reconciliation including joining an activity and signing the Indigenous Health petitions.

1. Sign the pledge 2. Write to the Treasurer Add your name to the letter and send! 3. Show your support and get out of the office Wander down, grab some lunch and sign the Close the Gap pledge at the following events which all start at 11am: - Monday May 26, GP V block podium - Tuesday May 27, KG Lawn - Wednesday May, 28 CA Plaza - Thursday May 29, Caboolture courtyard 4. Find out more about Indigenous Australian history and issues Browse through the selected articles, movies, books and radio programs in ‘Owning our history, moving forward – resources at a glance' 5. Visit www.oxfam.org.au to: •  Read Indigenous health success stories •  Find out more about the issues •  Subscribe to OXFAM's Activist newsletter •  Make your own ‘Close the Gap' e-card and send it to your friends

Reconciliation at QUT

QUT's Reconciliation Statement recognises the responsibility of educational institutions to redress disadvantage and to overcome prejudice in education and employment. The implementation of QUT's Reconciliation Statement requires a commitment across all areas of QUT including teaching and learning, research, community services, employment, organizational culture and environment. Implementation strategies include the Indigenous Employment and Career Development Strategy and the Indigenous Education Strategy. See QUT's Reconciliation website for more information.

A range of resources, information and annual activities are organised within the University in celebration of Reconciliation.Go to www.reconciliation.qut.edu.au for regular updates.

Useful organisations and links

Staff and students are encouraged to submit additional items under this section. Submit your useful organisations and links for consideration to equityenq@qut.edu.au.

QUT's Reconciliation website
Oodgeroo Unit
ANTaR
Reconciliation Australia
Journey of Healing
Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
National Indigenous Cadetship Program
Indigenous Employment
Link-Up Aboriginal Corporation: contact 07 3255 0855