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Reconciliation

Reconciliation is about recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original owners of this land and waters. It is about developing relationships and understanding, and building respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community.

Image credit: Josh Geelan

2023 NAIDOC Week Events

Upcoming Events

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National Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration and is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, contributions and achievements.

The week is framed by two key events in Australia's history which provide strong symbols of the aspirations for reconciliation.

May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia's most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation's history. The 1967 Referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.

On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia delivered its landmark Mabo decision which legally recognised that Indigenous people had a special relationship to the land that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for Indigenous land rights called Native Title.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The City of Marion Reconciliation Action Plan 2020-23 (RAP), endorsed by Council and by Reconciliation Australia on whose templates the RAP has been based, was developed by a steering group of people from across the organisation with Elected Member representation and members of the local indigenous community.

The RAP includes activities that we know can make a difference: building good relationships, respecting the special and cultural contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia, implementing good governance and working together to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the same life opportunities as all people in our city.

The actions in the RAP consists of significant, tangible and meaningful actions that the organisation and community can achieve together, such as:

  • Attendance at National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC events
  • Delivery of NRW events – neighbourhood centres and libraries
  • Payment for Welcome to Country Ceremonies
  • Improved City signage, including Kaurna language
  • Acknowledgement of Country displays within Council owned buildings
  • Cultural awareness sessions
  • Library resources
  • Indigenous plantings in our open spaces
  • Traineeships
  • Policy statements

Download the Reconciliation Action Plan

Significant Dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

There are a number of other times throughout the year that mark significant dates for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. City of Marion celebrates these dates through different events and programs. See the What’s On Calendar for events and programs.

The significant dates are:

  1. 13 February Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation
  2. 19 March Close the Gap Day
  3. 26 May National Sorry Day
  4. 27 May – 3 June National Reconciliation Week (see above)
  5. 3 June MABO Day
  6. July NAIDOC Week
  7. 4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

Reconciliation versus 'Conciliation'?

For the Kaurna people, 'conciliation' is a more appropriate term than 'reconciliation'.

Conciliation is a process which involves Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people walking together for the first time as genuinely equal partners in a shared future.

If you would like to find out more about reconciliation, visit the Reconciliation Australia website or the Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation for more information..

The Living Kaurna Cultural Centre is located at Warriparinga and offers Aboriginal and environmental education programs, events and performances. The venue is also available for hire for meetings, training days, events, and workshops another wonderful resource.

Warriparinga is an important cultural heritage site where Aboriginal and early European heritage sit side by side. For the Kaurna People of the Adelaide plains, this site is traditional ceremonial meeting place sill used today. Warriparinga is an important part of the Tjirbruke Dreaming.

Contact details

Cultural Development Officer