| Date | 27 May to 3 June |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Annual |
| Country | Australia |
| Organised by | Reconciliation Australia |
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is intended to celebrateIndigenous history and culture in Australia and fosterreconciliation discussion and activities. It started as theWeek of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993, developing into National Reconciliation Week in 1996.
It is held from 27 May to 3 June each year. These dates mark the anniversary of the1967 referendum (27 May) and the date in 1992 that theMabo decision was made in theHigh Court of Australia (3 June,Mabo Day).[1]
In 1991, the Australian Parliament unanimously created theCouncil for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR) with funding until 2001.[2][3]
In 1993, major religious groups in Australia established the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation.[4][5] In 1996, the CAR expanded this into the first National Reconciliation Week.[6]
In 2000, an estimated 250,000 people walked across theSydney Harbour Bridge, and in Brisbane, the People’s Walk for Reconciliation attracted an estimated 70,000 people.[7]
In 2001,Reconciliation Australia was established to replace the CAR, including its organisation of National Reconciliation Week.[8]
National Reconciliation Week is intended to celebrate the history and culture ofAboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people in Australia, and fosterreconciliation discussion and activities.[9]
The day before the start of the week, 26 May, isNational Sorry Day, first held in Sydney in 1998 and now commemorated annually to honour theStolen Generations.[4][6]
The theme of NRW 2025 is "Bridging Now to Next" reflecting the continuing connection between past, present, and future.[9]
| Reconciliation Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Australian Capital Territory |
| Date | First Monday after or on 27 May |
| Frequency | Annual |
Reconciliation Day is apublic holiday in theAustralian Capital Territory marking the start of National Reconciliation Week. It is held on the first Monday after or on 27 May, the anniversary of the1967 referendum. It was held for the first time on 28 May 2018.[10][11]
Reconciliation Week Activities for Elementary School Children in Indonesia[12]
Twenty-five years after the establishment of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR), this report examines the state of reconciliation in Australia today.