ARIA Hall of Fame inductee and eight-time ARIA award-winning band Yothu Yindi headlines the 2023 Reconciliation Concert. Image: Supplied.
Canberrans have a range of sit-down and stand-up options for participating in National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June).
The week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, Be a Voice for Generations, urges all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives.
The capital will host two blockbuster events this long weekend: the Reconciliation Concert featuring award-winning band Yothu Yindi and a showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, food and entertainment at the National Arboretum.
For those wanting to learn more about the history and advocacy of First Nations peoples, there are special tours of the National Archives of Australia and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, plus three documentary screenings.
For those who’d prefer something more hands-on this week, there are workshops, reconciliation walks and more!
Saturday
Guests will be able to paint their own works of art with guidance from Indigenous artist Sarah Richards. Photo: Ben Calvert.
Creative Workshop: Celebrate Reconciliation Day
When: Saturday 27 May 2023, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Canberra Museum & Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $45 to $160 plus booking fee; book here.
Canberrans (aged 16 and over) are invited to celebrate Reconciliation Day with Indigenous artist Sarah Richards of Marrawuy Journeys. Guests will view works by local First Nations artists in the exhibition, Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People and then have the opportunity to paint their own work of art exploring the Reconciliation Day theme, Be a Voice for Generations.
Sunday
ARIA Hall of Fame inductee and eight-time ARIA award-winning band Yothu Yindi headlines this year’s line-up. Image: Supplied.
Reconciliation Concert 2023
When: Sunday 28 May, from 7 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $59 plus transaction fee; book here.
Mark the start of National Reconciliation Week with the Reconciliation Concert. ARIA Hall of Fame inductee and eight-time ARIA award-winning band Yothu Yindi headlines this year’s line-up, alongside host Tahalianna Soward-Māhanga and powerful young Canberran First Nations artists Alinta Barlow and Stewart Barton, in a celebration of their voices, stories and music.
Monday
The Last Daughter – Reconciliation Day Preview
When: Monday 29 May, from 7 pm
Where: Dendy Cinemas, Bunda Street, Canberra
Cost: $15 to 23; book here.
Dendy Canberra will host a special preview screening of The Last Daughter, a new Australian documentary about love, loss and reconnection. The story follows Indigenous woman Brenda on her journey to uncover the truth about her path and reconcile the two sides of her family. Along the way, she uncovers buried secrets, government lies, and connections to family and culture.
The National Arboretum will host a showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, food, and entertainment. Photo: ACT Government.
Reconciliation Day at the National Arboretum
When: Monday 29 May, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
Cost: Free; no booking required.
Celebrate Reconciliation Day at the National Arboretum with a family-friendly event showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, food and entertainment. The program begins with a smoking ceremony by Ngunnawal traditional custodian Uncle Wally Bell, followed by a portrait exhibition, bush tucker demonstrations, cultural activities, performances and more.
Tuesday
QPRC’s annual Reconciliation Walk returns in 2023. Photo: QPRC.
2023 Reconciliation Walk
When: Tuesday 30 May, 09:30 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 1 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East
Cost: Free; no booking required.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s annual Reconciliation Walk returns in 2023. Participants are invited to gather at Marj Christian Park for a smoking ceremony before walking through Queanbeyan’s main street to Reconciliation Place in Queanbeyan Park. Here, there will be a Welcome to Country before a flag-raising ceremony and dance performance.
Tuesday and Thursday
Author and Biripi man Adam Duncan with children from Wiradjuri Preschool and Child Care Centre. Photo: NMA.
Storytelling Workshop with Adam Duncan
When: Tuesday 30 May and Thursday 1 June, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Cost: Free; book here.
Join The Bunyip and the Stars author Adam Duncan for story time and an activity. The Biripi man and teacher told Region earlier this month that his picture book, which draws on First Nations mythology, had been written over a decade with help from more than 100 children. “[Indigenous] culture is living and it’s changing and children can be a part of that living culture,” he said.
Wednesday
Introduce the younger ones to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements at the Mint. Photo: Royal Australian Mint.
Mini-Minties: Reconciliation Week
When: Wednesday 31 May, 10:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Royal Australian Mint, 62-114 Denison Street, Deakin
Cost: $10 plus booking fee for an adult and child; book here.
Children aged three to five are invited to the Royal Australian Mint to explore the coins that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements. Parents and children can expect story time, crafts and a bonus tour of the gallery and factory, which tells the story of Australia’s unique nature, culture and history through the coins we use every day.
Incarceration Nation Screening
When: Wednesday 31 May, 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm
Where: National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Free; book here.
Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are in Australian prisons. The 2021 film, Incarceration Nation, is a story of strength and resistance in the face of racism and oppression. The film lays bare the story of the continued systemic injustice and oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on their own land, told by Indigenous Australians.
Explore the history of First Nations advocacy for a Voice through original documents held in the national archival collection. Photo: NAA.
Members tour: Seeking to be heard
When: Wednesday 31 May, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes
Cost: Free for members; book here or register to become a member here.
This free-for-members curator-led tour of the National Archives of Australia will explore the history of advocacy for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution based on original documents held in the national archival collection. Afterwards, guests can explore two dedicated exhibitions, Connections/Mura gadi and Voices/Dhuniai.
Reconciliation Place Public Walk
When: Wednesday 31 May, 1 pm to 2 pm
Where: Reconciliation Place, Mall Road West, Parkes
Cost: Free; book here.
Experience the power of storytelling during a walk along Reconciliation Place with Maiawali woman and storyteller Roslyn Hull. Guests will tour the dozen public artworks, exploring themes of Indigenous achievements, partnerships, belonging and connection to the land and waters, reaffirming Australia’s shared history and commitment to reconciliation.
Friday
Still We Rise brings together perspectives on First Nations justice and land rights. The National Library Theatre. Image: Supplied.
Documentary screening: Still We Rise (2022)
When: Friday 2 June, 11 am to 12:15 pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Canberra
Cost: Free; book here.
The National Library of Australia will host a special screening of the 2022 documentary, Still We Rise. Directed by John Harvey from the Torres Strait, it brings together historical and contemporary voices and perspectives on First Nations Australian justice and land rights. It was collated 50 years after the beginning of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in front of Old Parliament House in 1972.
Saturday
Learn more about native plants and traditional tools at Mugga-Mugga Education Centre. Photo: Jane Duong.
Native Plant and Traditional Tools Workshop with Dreamtime Connections
When: Saturday 3 June, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Mugga-Mugga Education Centre, 129 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston
Cost: $25 to $30 plus booking fee; book here.
Join Dreamtime Connection’s Aaron Chatfield to learn more about edible and medicinal plants used by Aboriginal peoples to this day, as well as in commercial applications. Guests will also have the chance to learn about traditional tools, followed by bush-tucker snacks and native bush tea. All participants will also take home a native plant seedling to add to their garden.
All week long
Deborah Mailman’s portrait by Evert Ploeg is among the works in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.
Highlights Tours: Be a Voice for Generations
When: Saturday 27 May to Saturday 3 June, 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm daily
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free; book here.
The National Portrait Gallery’s highlights tours will focus on remarkable, resilient and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the gallery’s collection. Among the collection’s works is the portrait of the Bidjara and Māori actor and singer Deborah Mailman by the artist Evert Ploeg. The tours promise to explore our shared histories, cultures and achievements.
Learn the stories behind the names of Neville Bonner, Wenten Rubuntja, Charlie Perkins and Faith Bandler. Photo: Reconciliation Australia.
First Nations Experience of Democracy Tour
When: Saturday 27 May to Saturday 3 June, from 12:45 pm daily
Where: Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free; book here.
On these special 45-minute tours of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, you will hear stories of how First Nation Australians and their supporters have fought injustice and brought about change. Guests will also learn about the contributions of leaders and activists like Senator Neville Bonner, Wenten Rubuntja, Charlie Perkins and Faith Bandler.
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