Interested in what you can do to support reconciliation? Here you'll find resources, links and news on how you can contribute to overcoming the causes of division and inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Resources & Services
ACTCOSS resources and services to assist with reconciliation include:
- Capacity Building: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Resources: Includes publications such as a yearly calendar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance, Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit, good practice guides, and more!
- Gulanga Program: Find out how the Gulanga Program can assist your organisation with reconciliation.
- Policy Area: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples: On this page your'll find ACTCOSS' latest advocacy publications and activities related to policy affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Reconciliation Peer Network
The Reconciliation Peer Network (RecNet) is an informal group designed to bring together ACT community organisations who are interested in reconciliation, including the process of developing and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Find out more: RecNet
National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.
Find out more: National Reconciliation Week website
Reconciliation Action Plans
Reconciliation Australia assists Australian organisations to realise their vision for reconciliation through meaningful, yet practical, plans to develop relationships, show respect and increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Through the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program, organisations develop business plans that document what they will do within their sphere of influence to contribute to reconciliation in Australia. These RAPs outline practical actions the organisation will take to build strong relationships and enhanced respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. A RAP also sets out the organisation’s aspirational plans to drive greater equality by pursuing sustainable opportunities.
Find out how your organisation can participate: Reconciliation Australia's RAP Program
Check out the ACTCOSS Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-18.
Protocols for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
These protocols (PDF), developed by the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB), have been designed to guide public, private, and not-for-profit agencies and organisations to effectively engage, communicate, and work with the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
Download the document: Protocols for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (PDF)
Voice Treaty Truth Campaign
Voice Treaty Truth is the official campaign to see the aspirations of First Nations People contained in the Uluru Statement From the Heart become a reality.
The campaign's goal is to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution that would empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The voice to parliament would be a representative body giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a say in law and policy affecting them. Enshrined in the constitution, it would become an institution of lasting significance for First Nations and all Australians.
The Australian Constitution is one of the hardest in the world to change, so we need to keep building crucial momentum and awareness. People are saying this is the right thing to do, the decent thing to do, and we should fix it.
If we all play a part, every one of us can help to bring about this next step forward in the life of our nation.