Hedland creates a ‘family tree’ for Reconciliation week

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians, and can only occur as individuals, families, communities and organisations continue to work together as a nation. As we strive towards a more just, equitable country, fostering unity and mutual respect will help us all come together and connect with one another.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore what we can do to contribute in achieving reconciliation together.

Each year, National Reconciliation Week is held on the same date, from the 27^th May to the 3^rd June. These dates commemorate two major milestones in this journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.

In 2020, Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping our country’s journey towards a fairer, more equitable and reconciled nation.

Our REACH team in Hedland celebrated National Reconciliation Week with a variety of activities, including; a community walk, the making of bush tucker and creating a mural that exuded this year’s theme of being ‘In this together’.

Regional Manager Hedland, Cate Brewin, said it was great seeing the young people work together to create something that carries a strong underlying message and connection to community.

‘We’ve got an outdoor area which had a great space to paint a mural on ‘she said. ‘It’s outside of our main room, and we have been waiting for something that would be valuable to the students and teachers and staff at the Hedland Senior High School.’

‘The young people decided that reconciliation week was a good opportunity to put something up there.’

‘It started with a basic tree theme, and because our REACH program is for all young girls, indigenous or non-indigenous, all students put their handprint on the tree.’

‘You can see the photos of all the different coloured handprints. They represent people of different cultures and lives coming together as one big family.’

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.