Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this post may mention and contain the images of deceased peoples.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. It’s a time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’.

The dates of National Reconciliation Week—27 June through to 3 June—commemorate two significant milestones: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.

 

An Indigenous man creating artwork with an Indigenous child. Both people are smiling and having fun.

Source: Griffith University

 

How has Griffith contributed to Reconciliation?

Social Justice has always been a priority for our University. Originating at Mt Gravatt campus in 1983, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support and engagement office—now known as GUMURRII (Griffith University Murri and Islander) Student Success Unit—has been assisting students from recruitment, orientation to graduation.

Our University has awarded honorary doctorates (Doctor of the University) to Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Neville Bonner for their service not just to Indigenous peoples, but to the wider Australian and international communities.

In 1995, our University offered Australia’s first Bachelor program in Australian Indigenous Art. In 1998, we signed the first agreement (with the Gold Coast’s Kombumerri People) that saw land subject to a Native Title claim transferred to an Australian university.

Last year, in 2020, our University had more First Nation graduates than any other Queensland university. We are on record as having the second-largest Indigenous academic staff at any Australian university.

 

Four people sitting around a desk looking at a poster.

Past Indigenous students discussing their career options after University.
Source: Griffith Archives

 

How can you contribute during National Reconciliation Week 2021?

Our University recognises reconciliation is a shared process and every student and staff member has a role to play. We contribute by collectively building relationships and communities that value First Peoples’ histories, cultures and futures.

Over the next week, events are being hosted across Griffith’s many campuses. You can find more information on the events, summarised below, on the GUMURRII website.

  • On Wednesday 26 May, Gold Coast campus commemorates National Sorry Day with a screening of the 2008 National Apology to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
  • On Thursday 27 May, the annual Walk and Talk will run from Mount Gravatt campus through Toohey Forest to Nathan campus.
  • On Tuesday 1 June, students from the Queensland Conservatorium at South Bank will mark National Reconciliation Week in concert.
  • On Wednesday 2 June, students from Griffith Film School at South Bank’s Queensland College of Art will host a screening of The Furnace (2020).
An Indigenous person with short purple hair standing in front of a research poster on ‘Developing a Culturally Specific Oral Health Promotion’.

Source: Griffith University