National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June every year – is a time for all of us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and recommit ourselves to reconciliation and the fight for First Nations justice in Australia.  

This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights is not a passive activity. The work requires all of us to do our part, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long. 

We all need to be a part of reconciliation. It will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us. 

This year’s artwork, Gaagal, was created by Otis Hope Carey, a Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist.  

“The phrase ‘Gaagal’ translates to ‘Ocean’, and it is the totemic spiritual emblem of the Gumbaynggirr people. It’s a really important clan totem and holds a lot of healing elements for us,” Otis Hope Carey said. 

“All of my paintings connect to water. This artwork uses the ocean as a metaphor for people from all walks of life swirling together to be ‘all in’ for reconciliation.” 

You can read more from Otis Hope Carey about Gaagal, its inspiration and significance here. 

Visit Reconciliation Australia’s website to learn more, get involved and join us in being All In this National Reconciliation Week: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/