There are many fantastic events to join in National Reconciliation Week, from organised festivals, walks, and performances to our Reconciliation Education Webinars, which are accessible to all and from any location.

Additionally, if you’re looking to support schemes and initiatives working towards local reconciliation year-round, you can get involved by buying from Indigenous businesses, investing time into your education, or creating Reconciliation Action Plans for your own organisation.

We’ve put together a concise guide to some of the best ways to participate, both in the exhibitions and events hosted during National Reconciliation Week and in ongoing efforts to create pathways for meaningful reconciliation in localised towns and cities.

1. Accessing National Reconciliation Week Resources 

It is always great to be proactive and look at how to join cultural sharing events, demonstrate your commitment to allyship, and show up to foster dialogues within your community. You can also devote some time to exploring National Reconciliation Week resources.

The Reconciliation Australia website has varied learning opportunities that can enrich your understanding of why reconciliation matters to us all and how we can each play a part, equipping ourselves with the tools we need to take meaningful action.

2. Amplifying the Voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Even the most influential voices must be heard to make a difference. Allies can augment their visibility and audiences by following, listening to, and sharing projects and reconciliation work that vocalise Indigenous communities’ perspectives.

This could be by supporting action groups, volunteering for local reconciliation organisations, or creating platforms for Aboriginal members of your own community or workplace to be better seen and recognised.

3. Supporting First Nations Businesses in Your Area

We all know that buying local benefits smaller independent businesses. You can extend this to make a conscious decision to purchase goods or services from Indigenous-owned organisations, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed and remain sustainable.

As consumers, we can showcase allyship through our actions by choosing suppliers and services that have a proven commitment to empowering Aboriginal professionals and entrepreneurs and driving forward inclusion standards. Individuals and business owners can also elect to donate to Indigenous charities and non-profit enterprises, especially those that work directly within First Nations communities or are run by Indigenous leaders.

4. Developing a Reconciliation Action Plan for Your Workplace

Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and Reconciliation Policies enable organisations to establish their workplaces as settings that prioritise economic accessibility, demonstrate parity in recruitment and retention, and set a benchmark in cultural awareness that extends throughout their businesses.

Creating an action-oriented policy and investing in cultural awareness training will give each individual the knowledge necessary to become a better ally. This can also help to provide equitable employment opportunities within businesses that are engaged in positive collaborations with local Indigenous community members.

In addition, business leaders can make simple changes to contribute to reconciliation, such as acknowledging Traditional Owners and their connection to land when referring to a place or location.

5. Committing to Learning Beyond National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week and other significant dates, such as National Apology Day and NAIDOC Week, are focal points for reconciliation projects, but this work is ongoing. You can choose to embark on a cultural education journey by engaging in varied workshops and webinars that will allow you to continue to enhance your skills and comprehension as an ally.

Cultural engagement opportunities might involve learning more about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s beliefs and traditions or exploring more about local and national histories. If you run a business or work in an educational setting, you might also invite Elders and Indigenous speakers, who wish to share stories and lived experiences, to speak, widening awareness and cultural learning across larger groups.

The Benefits of Supporting Local Reconciliation Projects 

Taking steps to actively contribute to the reconciliation process and support your local Aboriginal community members is powerful. Many local reconciliation networks have projects and events throughout the year and welcome volunteers, especially if you have skills or resources that can be used to amplify their reach.

Whether you start by reading Indigenous literature, attending local community-led events, or advocating for policies based on equality and Aboriginal rights, you can contribute to a much bigger movement and ensure that each local project has the support and encouragement it needs.