Between 27 May and 3 June every year, Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week (NRW) which marks two significant milestones in Australia's Reconciliation journey:

• 27 May acknowledges the anniversary of the 1967 referendum where more than 90% of voters gave the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal people, and for Aboriginal people to be recognised in the national census. It was Australia’s most successful referendum.
• 3 June acknowledges the 1992 landmark decision by the High Court of Australia that overturned the legal doctrine of ‘terra nullius’ and led to the creation of the Native Title Act 1993 and subsequent native title regime. The case was led by Torres Strait Islander man, the late Eddie (Koiki) Mabo and his fellow plaintiffs including the late Rev David Passi and the late James Rice.

National Sorry Day is also acknowledged on 26 May annually. National Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique culture and history of Aboriginal people.

National Reconciliation Week 2021

Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

Collectively, our voices can lift and support to privilege and amplify First Nations’ voices calls for reconciliation and justice.

Reconciliation is a journey for individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly for all Australians. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

This year marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process.

The commitment and tireless work of the state, regional and local Reconciliation Action Plan Working Groups, organisations, and individuals is essential to the success of National Reconciliation Week.

For more information visit Reconciliation Australia.

Any planned events and public gatherings in 2021 need to adhere to physical distancing and hygiene principles to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19.

Reconciliation South Australia is the peak body for the coordination of events in South Australia during NRW Week. For more information please see the Reconciliation South Australia Facebook page.

Government agencies across South Australia are hosting events and participating in activities to celebrate National Reconciliation Week and strengthen respectful relationships between the Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.