National Reconciliation Week 2023 Program Announced
– National Reconciliation Week 2023 runs from May 27 to June 3.
– 2023 NRW theme calls on West Australians to Be a Voice for Generations.
– NRW program boasts range of events and opportunities for everyone to get involved.
– Western Australia’s NRW Virtual Breakfast will launch on Thursday 25 May.
Reconciliation WA (RWA) and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA are excited to announce this year’s program for National Reconciliation Week (NRW) taking place from 27 May to 3 June.
2023 marks a significant year for the reconciliation movement, and this year’s theme, ‘Be a VOICE for Generations’, urges all Australians to use their power, their words and their vote to create a better, more just Australia for all of us.
The 2023 NRW program boasts a range of events and opportunities to support everyone in building their toolkit to be a voice for reconciliation. The Week’s flagship events, the NRW Virtual Breakfast and Walk for Reconciliation will once again bookend the week, with the Breakfast taking place on Thursday 25 May and the Walk on Friday 2 June.
Broadcasted live from Boola Bardip WA Museum, RWA is inviting one million West Australians across the state to join the NRW Virtual Breakfast. The Breakfast will shine a light on positive generational stories and The Voice referendum.
National Sorry Day on Friday 26 May will see a Sorry Day commemoration take place at the newly installed Stolen Generations Memorial at Wellington Square hosted by Bringing Them Home WA and the West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation.
A new addition to the program, RWA is launching its Uluru Youth Yarns event, beginning with an afternoon of yarning led by young Aboriginal and ally voices and progressing into a celebratory music and performance event in the evening.
The popular and impactful Reconciliation Yarns return for 2023, focusing on the NRW theme, ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. These will alternate between in-person and online sessions, with the in-person hosted across Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park).
Off the back of the successful inaugural Reconciliation Memoirs with Fred Chaney last year, Reconciliation Memoirs will capture Dr Richard Walley OAM’s reconciliation story, written in collaboration with Victoria Laurie, which will be launched on Tuesday 30 May.
To bring the week to a close the Walk for Reconciliation will take place in the beautiful Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park), seeing thousands of people across the day connect to Boodja and celebrate the living Noongar culture.
Starting with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, people will journey through Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) engaging in a range of cultural immersion opportunities including truth-telling, dancing, arts workshops and an opportunity to learn more about The Voice.
Reconciliation WA encourages communities across WA to host a walk in solidarity with Aboriginal people.
NRW is an opportunity for all Australians to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Registrations for all NRW events are now open via our website with most events having accessible pricing options and digital accessibility.
For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s act now to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to acknowledge our shared histories, cultures and achievements towards reconciliation in Australia.
“All individuals, families, communities, organisations, and governments have a role to play in supporting a reconciled Australia.
“This year’s National Reconciliation Week program has a range of ways for everyone to get involved and be part of building a better nation.”
Comments attributed to Reconciliation WA Co-Chairs Carol Innes and Gary Smith:
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have consistently fought for justice throughout history, alongside ally non-First Nations Australians.
“This year’s theme honours the work of those who have come before us and fought for justice in Australia and encourages us today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for future generations.
“With the Voice to Parliament referendum approaching, this National Reconciliation Week is a great opportunity for all Australians to think about what kind of country they want for their children, and their children’s children – one that is strong and united.”
Comments attributed to Reconciliation WA CEO Jody Nunn:
“National Reconciliation Week saw great success last year, and we’re excited to build on that this year, providing another fantastic line up of state-wide accessible programs for people to build their understanding on how they can support building a better future for all Western Australians.
“This year’s theme, ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ holds significant meaning as we approach the Voice to Parliament referendum later this year. We aim to provide clear and factual information for people to make an informed decision when they cast their vote.
“An exciting new addition to our program is our Uluru Youth Yarns event, targeted at West Australian young people with a special focus on the Voice and Referendum.”
