National Reconciliation Week 2021
27 May – 3 June
More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
This week marks National Reconciliation Week (NRW), an important week on Australia's calendar which reminds us that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation.
Reconciliation Australia’s theme this year is More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. The theme urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
UQ has chosen NRW to launch a UQRAP Network, open to all staff and students, while scheduling a busy program of campus events and activations.
In the lead up to NRW, UQ held a Global Leadership series on 24 May, which featured a keynote address by UQ graduate Professor Megan Davis. Professor Davis is a member of the Referendum Council which designed a series of dialogues culminating in the creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.
Staff and students also gathered at the St Lucia campus on 26 May to commemorate National Sorry Day, forming the word ‘sorry’ and showing support for families impacted by the Stolen Generations.
UQ staff and students spell out 'Sorry' at the St Lucia campus, showing their support for families impacted by the Stolen Generations.
UQ staff and students spell out 'Sorry' at the St Lucia campus, showing their support for families impacted by the Stolen Generations.
Other UQ NRW highlights include:
- Murri Trivia evening
- ‘You Can’t Ask That’ discussion
- ‘In Conversation’ about the latest novel from UQ’s Professor Anita Heiss – titled Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray
- ‘Taking Action on Reconciliation at UQ’ panel discussion.
Students and staff across all campuses and locations will be encouraged to continue their cultural learning journey and engage with Reconciliation initiatives, to ensure a culturally-respectful workplace and study environment.
“UQ has made good progress in terms of its Reconciliation commitments. But there’s still a long way to go, so we encourage all our students and staff to attend NRW events and take action,” UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said.
“Increased engagement and action by non-Indigenous staff and students in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a key factor in the success of our Reconciliation Action Plan and fits the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week, More than a Word: Reconciliation Takes Action 2021.
“National Reconciliation Week encourages us all to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”
Members of the public are welcome at many of the UQ NRW events.
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