News

An important and challenging time of year for many reasons, this article showcases some resources and conversations to help us move into the brave space when thinking about 26 January and everything the date brings to the surface for your school or early learning service community.

The findings of Reconciliation Australia’s newly released 2020 Australian Reconciliation Barometer have far-reaching implications for fostering reconciliation in education. Read the 2020 Barometer to find out where we are on our reconciliation journey.

Always Was. Always Will Be—the theme for NAIDOC Week 2020 has resonated with many. We delve into the importance of Country and the power of actively listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples striving for change.

We’re doing things a little differently for the Narragunnawali Awards 2021. You can now nominate a school or early learning service doing great things for reconciliation and encourage them to apply for a Narragunnawali Award 2021 in February next year.

Reconciliation stories take many shapes. We hear from Wesley College about just how important building and maintaining relationships with your local community can be, and the value of reconciliation in shaping future generations of Elders.

We hear from Liza Hamilton – Deputy Principal Instructional Leader Aboriginal Students – about what winning the Narragunnawali Awards 2019 school category meant for Maclean High School and the local community; and learn about some of the exciting reconciliation projects they’ve implemented in 2020.

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. Here are some resources to support engagement with NRW in 2020.

Some of many examples of media features that meaningfully reflect this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, In this together.

A story of how reconciliation action planning is helping bring the St Alipius Parish School community together, and bring about positive change.

This article proudly explores the 2020 National Reconciliation Week theme, In this together, through a conversation with Minang Ngadju educator, Roni Forrest.

Congratulations to the winners of the Narragunnawali Awards 2019 – Maclean High School and Forbes Preschool! This article shines a spotlight on their achievements and exceptional commitment to reconciliation. We also share a short film with highlights from the Narragunnawali Awards finalists workshop and presentation event at the National Arboretum on Ngunnawal Country. 

To support your school or early learning service to acknowledge and celebrate great work initiatives around reconciliation, as well as the challenges, successes and achievements, take a look at the Reconciliation Awards RAP Action. This resource not only helps recognise contributions to progressing reconciliation in your school or early learning services, but is a great way to strengthen relationships within your community.

We are excited to introduce the newest member of the Narragunnawali team, Alanna Raymond. Alanna has spent the past six years as a primary teacher at Queanbeyan Public School, who were winners of the Narragunnawali Awards 2017. "One of the proudest moments of my career was representing our school at the Narragunnawali Awards 2017, and accepting our award on behalf of all the passionate individuals who have worked together over many years".

In October, Reconciliation Australia was delighted to receive the 2019 United Nations (UN) Day Honour. As our CEO, Karen Mundine said, “This honour rightfully belongs to all who have been part of the Reconciliation Australia family over the past 20 years." Congratulations also go to those who took part in Reconciliation NSW's Schools Reconciliation Challenge and to the winners of Wakakirri's National Reconciliation Story Award – read more about these initiatives and get involved in 2020!

Zoe is a Bundjalung woman currently working with the Narragunnawali team. In this article, we chat about her experiences with working in rural and remote communities around the country using technologies with Aboriginal and torres Strait Islander sciences and cultures.