This week is National Reconciliation Week and is a very important time for all First Nations people.
Held on the same dates every year – May 27 to June 3 – the week especially commemorates two significant milestones for First Nations people in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 Referendum on May 27, in which 90 per cent of Australians voted ‘Yes’ to count First Nations people in the Census; and the High Court Mabo decision on June 3, 1992, which led to the recognition of the rights of First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of their land.
The Queensland Police Service supported the Sunshine Coast Council Reconciliation Week launch held at TribalLink in Mapleton on May 24, with Sunshine Coast police liaison officers and Inspector Mike Miley attending.
Related story: Be a voice: important cultural week honouring Indigenous heritage
The event involved many First Nations and non-First Nations stakeholders and local community members coming together to celebrate and support the start of such a significant week.
Throughout the night there was traditional song and dance, First Nations activities and many stories about culture and history from some of the Elders.
National Reconciliation Week is about aiming to build strong and respectful relationships and connections between First Nations and non-First Nations people.
This week is a time for all Australians to embrace and learn about First Nations history, culture and stories. It’s time to reflect on the past, to therefore start more conversations around reconciliation for a positive future for all.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week in 2023 is Be a Voice for Generations.
First Nations Ancestors have paved the way by being a voice throughout history. Now is a time for all Australians to take that leadership and be a voice for reconciliation for generations to come.
This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at Queensland Police – Reporting.
You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at Crime Stoppers.
