Encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives.

Reconciliation Week

Held every year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Be a Voice for Generations urges us all to keep up the momentum for change.

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

To learn more about National Reconciliation Week, its significance and actions you can take visit https://www.reconciliation.org.au/

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

For information and resources visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week

This year’s NRW theme is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. Gawler’s activities and events for National Reconciliation Week through to NAIDOC Week include:

•  22 May – 28 July at the Gawler Civic Centre Café (The Olive Branch Café) – Art Works and Digital Exhibition.
   
• Gawler Libraries are active allies of our Aboriginal community. We provide a quality, growing collection of cultural and educational Aboriginal resources, programs and events, for the whole community to enjoy. Come in and see our special display at the Civic Centre library during Reconciliation Week.
   
• Sharing First Nations stories on the big screen. Nunga Screen, held annually during Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week is a free short film showcase that shares and celebrates First Nations culture, stories and language, through film
  
  Thursday 1 June, 11am and 7pm screenings at the Gawler Civic Centre, including live music and Acknowledgement of Country by Scott Rathman Jnr. FREE registration online at https://gccNungaScreen2023.eventbrite.com.au.

• Come and try a relaxing hands-on workshop learning the traditional Aboriginal craft of basket weaving with natural materials or dot painting your own artwork. Create your own basket or placemat to take home.

  Monday 5 or Tuesday 6 June, 10am, Civic Centre Library FREE registration online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/637873084567

  Friday 9 or Friday 16 June, 10am, Evanston Gardens Library FREE registration online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/637874508827.

• Codi Buckskin of Ngadli Art will present on the amazing artworks she creates with her sister Kira, and explore symbols and meanings in Aboriginal Art. She will also assist participants to contribute to an artwork for the new GEC office, based on our beautiful local environments.

  Thursday 22 June, 7.00pm-8.30pm at the Gawler Environment Centre (8 Main Road, Gawler). FREE registration online at Eventbrite. Further information 8524 6265 or coordinator@gawlerenvironmentcentre.org.au.
  
  Council recognise that Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and will promote and participate in reconciliation, value and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, advocate truth-telling processes and initiatives, and provide cultural learning opportunities on an ongoing basis.
  
  All this information has been sourced from the Town of Gawler webpage - https://www.gawler.sa.gov.au/about-gawler/latest-news/2023/reconciliation-week