Reconciliation Week is an important opportunity for all Australians to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year, beginning on 27 May – marking the passing of the 1967 referendum granting citizenship to Aboriginal AustraIians – and ending on 3 June – coinciding with the historic High Court Mabo decision.
The theme for this year's National Reconciliation Week is Reconciliation is more than a word. Reconciliation takes action - and it urges more impactful action towards reconciliation.
The Territory Labor Government is committed to delivering with and for Aboriginal Territorians, and recognising the importance of reconciliation.
It recently launched the 'Everyone Together' Aboriginal Affairs Strategy, which is a 10 year plan that provides a way for the NT Government to reshape how it works with Aboriginal Territorians to support community aspirations and achieve better outcomes.
The Government is also proud to support the First Circles Leadership Program, which brings together emerging leaders with strong community voices to the table to influence government policy. The 2021 First Circles program is the largest group ever.
Local Decision Making also proves an important step forward. There are currently five Local Decision Making Agreements in various stages of implementation, with active engagement towards another 16 Agreements in development.
The Government's continued commitment to the Aboriginal Interpreter Services has also helped provide solutions to communication challenges, and has allowed Aboriginal Territorians to gain access to better services.
The Territory's Aboriginal Justice Agreement is being finalised, and will be released later this year.
In addition, the Territory's Implementation Plan on Closing the Gap is being drafted, to coincide with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Quotes from Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo:
"I encourage all Territorians to take this time to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
"The Territory Labor Government works hard to deliver with and for Aboriginal Territorians, and to ensure as a Government we deliver the aspirations of our communities.
