Library celebrates National Reconciliation Week 2023
National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The 2023 theme is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. This theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives, and to act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country the benefit of all generations.
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.
27 May 1967: On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
3 June 1992: June 3rd is Mabo Day, commemorating Eddie Koiki Mabo’s long and courageous fight to demonstrate that his people had traditional land ownership systems on Mer and persuade the High Court of Australia to agree to overturn the doctrine of terra nullius, which in turn paved the way for native title in Australia. Native title is the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have rights and interests to land and waters according to their traditional law and customs as set out in Australian Law.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
