National Reconciliation Week, between 27 May and 3 June each year, provides an important opportunity to reflect on Australia’s reconciliation journey – for our nation, our communities and our sector.
For the retail sector, National Reconciliation Week offers a unique opportunity to engage with First Nations communities and demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation. It’s a chance for retailers to showcase indigenous products, support indigenous-owned businesses, and foster meaningful connections with indigenous communities.
By actively participating in reconciliation efforts, retailers not only contribute to positive social change but also align themselves with values of inclusivity and diversity, which are increasingly important to consumers.
Beyond the retail sector, National Reconciliation Week plays a vital role in broader societal conversation – an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, including the injustices faced by indigenous peoples, and a time to acknowledge the resilience and contributions of first nations Australians.
Reconciliation events, whether they be community gatherings, cultural workshops, or educational seminars, provide platforms for dialogue and understanding. These events encourage Australians to listen, learn and empathise, fostering empathy and unity across all cultural divides.
Storytelling lies at the heart of reconciliation, serving as a powerful tool for preserving Aboriginal practices, culture, and identity. Through storytelling, Indigenous Australians pass down traditions, share histories and celebrate their cultural heritage. By actively listening to these stories non-indigenous Australians can gain a deeper appreciation for indigenous perspectives and experiences, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
As National Reconciliation Week approaches, one way to embrace the spirit of reconciliation is to actively participate in events and activities. Whether it’s attending a cultural festival, joining a reconciliation walk or simply taking the time to learn about indigenous histories and culture, every action contributes to building a more inclusive equitable society.
The ARA has compiled a list of some event listings for you to explore Reconciliation Events in your area. These events provide a positive opportunity to celebrate the strength and resilience of first nations Australians and commit to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
National – https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar
ACT – https://events.canberra.com.au/whats-on
NSW – https://reconciliationnsw.org.au/eventscalendar/
NT – https://aboriginalaffairs.nt.gov.au/resources-and-news/key-dates
QLD – https://www.rqi.org.au/important-dates/
SA – https://reconciliationsa.org.au/events
TAS – https://rectas.com.au/events
VIC – http://www.reconciliationvic.org.au/act/reconciliation-week
WA – https://www.recwa.org.au/events/nrw-2024/
Interested in running your own event? Whether it’s your first time hosting a National Reconciliation Week event, or your fifth, get some pointers about what makes a good one at this online resource.
To find out more about National Reconciliation Week click here and for more information about how your business can commence or accelerate your reconciliation journey, go to retail.org.au/reconciliation
Register now
ARA Member Roundtable – National Reconciliation Week
Description: We are pleased to host a virtual round table meeting aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing insights on Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) within the retail sector. The roundtable will bring together colleagues across the industry working on reconciliation to share learnings, network, and identify areas of support needed to progress work on reconciliation
Date: Tuesday 28 May
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
Link: Reconciliation Action Plan Roundtable Survey (surveymonkey.com)
