National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May until 3 June each year, so now, more than ever is the right time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich history and culture of Australia’s First Nations people. This year’s theme is More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urging people to take braver and more impactful action.
It’s a week for Australians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to learn about the history and culture of Australia and to educate ourselves about ways that we can add our voices to call for reconciliation and justice. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation and you can show your support everyday through simple actions including building relationships, amplifying First Nations’ voices, supporting First Nations-owned businesses and challenging our leaders to take action.
There’s a bunch of special educational events taking place across the Gold Coast, so get involved and educate ‘yoself with our roundup of Reconciliation Week events happening on the Gold Coast this week.
Film Screening and Yarning Circle
Iconic Australian film, Rabbit-Proof Fence, introduced many people to the concept of the Stolen Generation when it was released in 2002. The change-making film will be shown this Saturday night at TAFE Coomera, acknowledging dark parts of Australia’s history and aiming to educate Australians about what has been missing from our history books. A yarning circle, which is an important process within Indigenous culture designed to preserve and pass on cultural knowledge, will then take place. Indigenous community leaders, Jonathan Link, Aunty Lorraine Hatton and Glen Barry will host the yarning circle and share insights about their rich heritage and storytelling through music and art.
When: Saturday 29 May; 6pm to 8:30pm
Where: TAFE Coomera, 198 Foxwell Road, Coomera
Find out more here.
Indigenous Weaving Workshop
Join in an Indigenous weaving workshop, where you will create a gorgeous cultural art piece while learning about Indigenous culture, history and arts. Desert-Rain Magpie is a First Nations artist, practising in textiles and visual arts, with a passion for working with parents and children to strengthen cultural identity. Desert-Rain will lead the workshop and use her healing and art skills to create a safe space where you can create, learn and share pride in the oldest continuous culture in the world.
When: Sunday 30 May; 11am to 1pm
Where: Westfield Coomera Community Hub, 103 Foxwell Road, Coomera
Find out more here.
Wellbeing Workshop and Yarning Circle
Get your brain ticking and challenge your way of thinking with this Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workshop, hosted by Deadly Thinking. This inspiration organisation aims to destigmatise mental illness and teach the wider public about maintaining social and emotional wellbeing, which is an important issue in today’s increasingly busy society. You will be taught useful strategies related to dealing with worries, mental illness, alcohol and drug use and how to identify ways and skills to overcome these issues. These impactful workshops aim to empower attendees to discuss these stigmatised issues and to use their skills to help people in their communities to lead more productive and positive lives.
When: Tuesday 1 June; 9am to 4pm
Where: Preece House, Nerang Street, Nerang
Find out more here.
Painting Your Storylines Workshop
This Wednesday, bring the whole family to a Jarjum Storytelling, which is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s books. This session will showcase the role of storytelling in sharing language, cultural knowledge and moral lessons across generations. After the storytelling, participate in an Indigenous art workshop, ‘Painting Your Storylines’, where you will learn about the meanings of Indigenous motifs and symbols. Education is truly the key to change and this event embraces passing on knowledge to the younger generation.
When: Wednesday 2 June, 10am to 11:30am
Where: Upper Coomera Library, Corner Reserve and Abraham Roads, Upper Coomera
Find out more here.
Reconciliation Week Closing Event
Celebrate Reconciliation Week this Thursday at the Gold Coast’s official closing event, held at Preece House. Immerse yourself in an art exhibition gallery collection viewing of the local ancestors and traditional custodians of the land, then participate in a local knowledge and storytelling event. You will be part of an insightful discussion about the significance of culture and country for Reconciliation Week, ending this impactful week on a powerful note.
When: Thursday 3 June, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Preece House, Nerang Street, Nerang
Find out more here.
Feeling inspired by the rich history and culture of Australia’s First Nations people? Learn more about National Reconciliation Week and how you can contribute to impactful change.
Image credit: Alessia Francischiello