News

This special edition of Narragunnawali News focuses on National Reconciliation Week (NRW). The theme for NRW 2018 is Don’t Keep History a Mystery. This year, we invite Australians to Learn, Share and Grow by exploring our past, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and developing a deeper understanding of our national story.

The theme for #NRW2018 is Don’t Keep History a Mystery. This year, we invite Australians to Learn, Share, and Grow by exploring our past, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and developing a deeper understanding of our national story.

A Kalkadoon man from Mount Isa, Uncle Clem Domic has promoted reconciliation in education for over 20 years. Uncle Clem’s passion, courage and strength is demonstrated in speaking up for people who don’t have a voice and sharing “the reconciliation message” every day.

As part of making reconciliation part of everyday learning, Discovery Early Learning Centres (ELC) in Dominic and Illara, Tasmania have been working with local Elders and communities to build up knowledge and awareness of local Aboriginal peoples, histories, cultures and languages.

Historically, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices have been largely absent in the mainstream media. When reporting stories pertaining to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, it is vital that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are included and voices are heard. 

As your school or early learning service launches into its National Reconciliation Week celebrations on May 27th this year, consider engaging with the ABC Right Wrongs platform. Right Wrongs will help you to reflect on the significance of the 1967 referendum and how historical acceptance and ‘righting wrongs’ continue to drive reconciliation forward.

To support you in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content and perspectives across all subject areas, the Narragunnawali team has created a suite of tailored resource guides as part of your resource evaluation and curriculum planning. 

The Narragunnawali team had the privilege of talking to Cultural Liaison Officer and RAP Working Group Chair, Mihi Betham, of the Meerilinga Children and Family Centres in Western Australia. 

Even the smallest steps taken on a reconciliation journey, can create a large ripple effect, and bring about positive change. Wilderness School in South Australia did just that by flying the flags for the first time in their school's history.

Two recent dates of national significance that have been widely discussed in the media include 26 January, and the 10th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February.

Reconciliation Australia announces the winners of the Narragunnawali Awards 2017.

Narragunnawali is excited to share a series of short films that we have produced to accompany the 14 required RAP Actions.

With a large audience to draw upon, media outlets, as well as individuals, through social media, have the power to raise awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures. Use these links to prompt reflective discussion about representation and the media. 

Aboriginal Studies teacher, David Browne talks to us about the importance of "Aboriginal education in both senses – in the widest set of opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in education as possible, and in bringing the value and relevance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into the consciousness of non-Indigenous Australians. "

The development of St John’s Grammar School’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a powerful example of a movement that has been driven by students in the role as Reconciliation Ambassadors, with valuable input and guidance from knowledgeable and supportive adults in the wider school community.