Canberrans are invited to come together for an inclusive community event to mark the 6th Reconciliation Day public holiday on Monday 29 May 2023.
The fun, family-friendly event will run from 10am to 3pm at the National Arboretum, kicking off with a traditional smoking ceremony followed by a day of cultural activities and live entertainment reflecting the National Reconciliation week 2023 theme: Be a Voice for Generations.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said Reconciliation Day is a time for the ACT community to come together to learn about our shared history and First Nations cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
“The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Day is “Be a voice for generations”. As a nation, we have an important decision to make regarding the proposed constitutional change to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and embed a Voice to Parliament. This event will provide a place for positive conversations and allow us to build our collective understanding of what this historic referendum will mean.
“There is a host of things to look forward to this year including return of the much-loved Sea of Hands, where ACT school students decorate a hand template using colours, words or pictures that represent what reconciliation means to them.
“All the activities have been designed to promote conversations about reconciliation and foster a deeper understanding of Australia’s true history,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Reconciliation Day at the National Arboretum will feature a packed program of free activities for all ages including:
- Local musical performances including Australian pop duo Microwave Jenny
- Portrait exhibition featuring leaders of reconciliation in our community
- Thought provoking panel discussions facilitated by members of the ACT Reconciliation Council
- Language workshops
- Art and craft workshops
- Bush tucker demonstrations
- Family-friendly games and activities including sack races, parachute games and kite flying (weather permitting)
The ACT is the only jurisdiction to recognise Reconciliation Day as a public holiday. This important day falls during Reconciliation Week, which is marked across Australia from 27 May (anniversary of the 1967 Referendum) to 3 June (Mabo Day) each year.
