Reconciliation Day in Australia is a public holiday observed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which serves to celebrate and foster reconciliation between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each person can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

History:

Reconciliation Day was first observed in the ACT on May 28, 2018. The date is significant because it marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which runs from May 27 to June 3 annually across Australia. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey:

• May 27: Marks the anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum where over 90% of Australian voters chose to amend the constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the federal government to create laws for them.
• June 3: Commemorates the historic High Court decision in the Mabo case (Mabo v Queensland) in 1992, which legally recognized that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship with the land—a fact that existed before British colonization.

Traditions:

On Reconciliation Day, various activities are organized that promote cultural understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Events typically include:

• Cultural Performances: Music, dance, and storytelling by Indigenous artists.
• Educational Workshops: Programs designed to teach non-Indigenous Australians about Indigenous history and culture.
• Community Events: Including walks for reconciliation, public discussions, exhibitions of Indigenous art.

What People Do:

On this day, people may:

• Participate in community events or reconciliation walks.
• Attend cultural performances or exhibitions.
• Engage with educational resources or attend workshops about Indigenous history.
• Reflect on their personal commitment to reconciliation.

Reconciliation Day provides an opportunity for reflection on Australia's colonial history, its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and encourages ongoing dialogue aimed at fostering unity and healing.