Interactive walks from Kaarta Koomba / Kings Park, yarning circles and tours at WA Museum Boola Bardip and or tuning into informative local documentaries are some of the ways you can honour and reflect on Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week in the City of Perth.
The 2022 theme for National Reconciliation Week is 'Be Brave. Make Change', which is a challenge to everyone to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.
Throughout the week, Northbridge Piazza will air the 15-minute documentary on the creation of 'Mia Mias' - a new public artwork acknowledging the Stolen Generations.
Mias Mias, created by artist and Wadandi elder Sandra Hill, was erected last year in the north-west corner of Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said "The City of Perth is proud to see this significant and important artwork in Wellington Square, following careful consultation with Western Australia's Aboriginal community,".
"Wellington Square represents cultural and spiritual significance for Nyoongar people, linking the past and the present and we couldn't more delighted to see this artwork tell a powerful and poignant story for all members of the community," he said.
The breath-taking artwork is a dedicated place of healing in at Moort-ak Waadiny and features a central beacon incorporating the male and female feathers of the red-tailed black cockatoo (kaarak), surrounded by five traditional dwellings (mia mias).
The special site will also be host the 25th annual Sorry Day event on 26 May, which due to COVID-19, will also be live streamed.
This week Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas would also like to acknowledge the City's Elders Advisory Group who've guided the City on its reconciliation journey since 2018. The Elders will be hosting yarning sessions with City of Perth staff throughout the week to share their culture and experiences.
"The Elders are the Birdiyas (bosses) and are recognised, valued and honoured by the City.
Also this week, Council House and Trafalgar Bridge are lighting up in purple in recognition of National Sorry Day on May 26. From May 27 - 31, Council House will light up in the colours of the Aboriginal Flag, while Trafalgar Bridge in East Perth will also light up in red.
Details below on the many events and activities throughout the City:
Sorry Day 2022
26 May | Wellington Square, North West Corner | 11am to 1pm | Invitation only
Streamed LIVE from the newly completed Stolen Generations Memorial at Wellington Square / Moort-ak-Waadiny. This event will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Speakers as well as musical performances commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report in the Australian Federal Parliament in 1997.
Due to COVID-19 concerns this is invitation only but can be viewed via the live stream.
Reconciliation Week Welcoming Ceremony
27 May | WA museum Boola Bardip
7.30am - 10am Live Sand Art Mural by Noongar artists Roni and Simon Forest
10am Smoking Ceremony
National Reconciliation Week Virtual Breakfast
27 May| Online | 8.00am - 10.00am
Free to attend, the virtual breakfast will feature a Welcome to Country from Elders across the state, cultural entertainment, a powerful Keynote presentation, and a panel discussion with guests from across our regions.
