National Reconciliation Week 2020
by Jenifer Hasbun
Reconciliation Week 2020 is from 27th May – 3rd June. You may know that CPA Group has an Innovate Reconciliation Plan (RAP) registered with Reconciliation Australia and we fully support and encourage involvement in Reconciliation Week activities.
Reconciliation refers to the restoration of fractured relationships by overcoming grief, pain, and anger. It is a process that involves mutual acknowledgment of past suffering and the changing of destructive attitudes and behaviour into constructive sustainable relationships.
CPA Group remains committed, to continually build positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, enabling us all to work together to close gaps, and to achieve equality.
What is Reconciliation Week?
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.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year, as these dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey:
- the successful 1967 referendum, and
- the High Court Mabo decision.
NRW Theme 2020
One could argue given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the NRW theme this year is clearly now resonating amongst us all. It is, # In This Together.
“It reminds us even in a crisis or in reconciliation, we are all in this together”.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Often Asked – What is the difference between NRW and NAIDOC Week?
Whilst both acknowledge the past and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and success, they are different.
NRW is a time for Australians to celebrate respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. NRW is aligned with important dates, as mentioned, that are a reminder of the advancements in equality and justice.
NAIDOC Week although first marked as a form of protest in the 1920s now celebrates the milestones of Indigenous peoples and their 65,000 plus year culture and connection to this Country. The week encourages Australians from all walks of life to participate, be it, from major cities or remote rural communities. Recognition is central to both these events. All Australians come together, as everyone is encouraged to learn and appreciate Indigenous culture.
NAIDOC Week is usually celebrated from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. This year NAIDOC Week has been postponed, given COVID 19 restrictions, and will be celebrated once restrictions are lifted at a date to be advised later this year.
What can I do during NRW?
Due to the current restrictions on non-essential gatherings, CPA Group encourages all staff to remain conscious of the week, even though normal celebratory gathering will not be occurring. By simply reading this article, starting a conversation amongst family and friends, by way of phone, social or digital media. Watch an Indigenous movie, tune into NITV, read an indigenous book.
You will see some changes on social media and email traffic, which will recognise and remind us all about NRW in the coming weeks. Additionally, some short stories and facts, such as:
- Aboriginal Shields
- Our CPA Group Innovate RAP Painting meaning
- Indigenous Elders
- How the Kangaroo got a pouch
These short stories, from Aunty Lorraine, (CPA Group’s Indigenous Ambassador) will be circulated for all to read, during NRW.
Importantly let us all remember reconciliation does not only happen one week per year!
Take Care, remain safe and again, thank you for all you do and are doing.
Message from Harley Sparke, CPA Group Executive Chairman