Reconciliation Week: From Intentions to Impact
Reconciliation Week serves as a time for reflection, understanding, and honouring the cultures, histories, and rights of our Australian Indigenous peoples. At SDG Align, we deeply value social impact and are committed to supporting the reconciliation movement and Reconciliation Week.
This article, written on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation in Naarm (Melbourne), will outline Reconciliation Week’s significance, its current context and what it means for business. We also share how we engage in reconciliation efforts and actionable steps and resources for individuals and businesses to contribute to this collective effort, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals framework.
Understanding Reconciliation Week: History and Purpose
In much of our school content, history books and academic research there is little reference to the history of the traditional owners of the land going back more than 65,000 years. We acknowledge that there is significant indigenous history and knowledge to appreciate, platform and understand.
What is Reconciliation Week
Beginning in 1996, Reconciliation Week, overseen by non-profit Reconciliation Australia states that, fundamentally “reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.”
The 2023 mission encourages us to “Be a Voice for Generations” which urges Australians to promote reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday, where we live, work and socialise.
The week hosts events around the nation that platform indigenous voices and promotes awareness of Indigenous culture and history, working toward the goal to strengthen the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
Historically Significant Dates
Reconciliation Week runs from the 27th of May until the 3rd of June which encompasses two monumental milestones for the reconciliation movement.
The week begins marking the day of the 1967 referendum held to change discriminatory provisions in the constitution against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australia’s most successful ‘yes voted’ referendum in history with a 90.77% yes vote from the nation. A referendum which foundations and outcomes would not have occurred if not for the work of many indigenous activists across Australia. The referendum not only allowed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to be included in the census but also marked a noted shift in attitudes.
The week then concludes on Mabo Day. The day we commemorate visionary activist Eddie Koiki Mabo and his work towards the High Court of Australia’s decision to overturn the declaration ‘terra nullius’ or ‘land belonging to no one’ – declared at European colonisation. This led to the establishment of the Native Title Act 1993, which set a legal framework for native title claims for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the nation.
The three plaintiffs (Eddie Mabo second from left) and Bryan Keon-Cohen, Queensland Supreme Court
The Context Today: Continuing the Journey
Reconciliation Week in the context of Australia in 2023 remains pivotal as we continue as a nation to strive for increased understanding, action and respect toward reconciliation. The week also serves as an important reminder of our nation’s deep history and catalyst for larger conversations and change. Providing a time for reflection, intersectional dialogue and community engagement the week contributes toward a more appreciative and inclusive future.
This year, Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions to confront matters around historical injustice and enduring impacts on our indigenous peoples. As Australia navigates issues of truth-telling, treaty and self-determination, the week platforms important voices and collaboration that can help inform policies, relationships and attitudes.
First Nations Voice to Parliament
There is particular importance this week carries with the growing conversations and demand for an indigenous voice to Parliament as part of the Uluru statement from the heart. The proposed establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament has brought matters of reconciliation to the forefront of the national agenda. This time provides a valuable opportunity for discussion and perspective from indigenous communities on this matter and highlights the rightful place of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes.
Reconciliation Week offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and actions that contribute to the ongoing journey of reconciliation – recognising that true reconciliation requires the empowerment and inclusion of Indigenous voices at every level of governance.
Business Perspective: The Power of Authentic Engagement
Australian reconciliation with Indigenous peoples holds immense significance from a business standpoint. Authentic engagement with Indigenous communities is crucial for fostering positive relationships built on understanding, respect, and trust.
Businesses must recognise the unique cultural heritage, history, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples and strive to actively engage with them. This involves going beyond token gestures and developing deep, long-lasting partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
Merely going through the motions is insufficient. By collaborating with Indigenous communities, businesses can engage with their rich knowledge systems, traditional practices, and unique perspectives, leading to innovation, cultural exchange, and ultimately the adoption of sustainable business practices.
It is vital for businesses to prioritise Indigenous rights, including land rights, self-determination, and cultural preservation. This entails respecting protocols, obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) when working on Indigenous lands and supporting economic initiatives that empower Indigenous communities.
By aligning business practices with the principles of reconciliation, businesses can contribute to closing the socio-economic gap, promoting social equity, and fostering a more inclusive society. Ultimately, true reconciliation requires businesses to commit to ongoing learning, unlearning biases, and actively engaging in meaningful actions that support Indigenous rights, aspirations, and self-determination.
SDG Align’s Commitment to Reconciliation
SDG Align is deeply committed to reconciliation and recognises its profound importance in Australian society. As a business driven by social impact, we proudly support reconciliation week and believe that acknowledging First Nations, their culture, heritage, and right to self-determination should be a priority for all Australians and Australian businesses.
Authentic Action and Engagement
Striving for authenticity is deeply embedded in our values. There is still work to be done in our active engagement with Indigenous communities. That said, we understand that mere things templated acknowledgments are not enough. That’s why we encourage our staff and stakeholders to cultivate personal and local connections, fostering a genuine understanding of the people, culture, and history of the land on which they live and work.
Recognising the need to acknowledge history, we acknowledge that many of us in Australia were raised with a limited perspective, knowing only one side of the story. However, our team actively works to improve our understanding and recognises the significance of acknowledging the past and its impacts.
Language
SDG Align recognises the importance of simple yet meaningful actions. Language plays a vital role in creating a safe space for conversations. Identifying the lands where we live and work, along with the traditional owners, their language, and place names, demonstrates respect and signifies our commitment to fostering dialogue. By utilising language in this way, we create an environment that encourages individuals to share their identity, culture, and journey.
For example, this is one of our staff’s email footers “ I pay respects to the Bundjalung people as the traditional custodians of the lands upon which I live, play & work.” The National Indigenous Australians Agency acts as a great starting point for your own acknowledgement of country.
Connecting With Community
We believe that getting to know the people and culture is essential. While there is no single ‘culture’ or ‘first nation’ (evident in the Map of Indigenous Australia below), we believe gaining general awareness is a good starting point. However, we encourage everyone to go further by actively engaging with their local Indigenous community. By connecting better with our local places and the custodians who have cared for them for countless generations, we can lay a foundation for understanding and embark on the journey toward reconciliation.
Education and Acknowledgement
Understanding, learning about, and supporting our First Nations is a responsibility shared by all Australians and all Australian businesses. It begins with acknowledging and learning about the brutal treatment, dispossession, and separation that Indigenous peoples have endured. This is a crucial starting point for reclaiming self-determination, respect, and custodianship of the land. Only through this foundational education and subsequent acknowledgement can we begin to work towards closing the gap and take steps to do business in a way that promotes reconciliation.
We are committed to incorporating these principles into our business practices and are committed to continuing to learn and improve our understanding and actions.
SDGs and Reconciliation: The Intrinsic Link
We recognize the profound connection between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the reconciliation movement. The SDGs encapsulate the principles of inclusivity, social justice, and environmental stewardship. In a similar vein, reconciliation in Australia aims for a society that is equitable, respectful, and harmonious. The aspirations of both also emphasise the importance of collective action by both individuals and businesses. By embracing the SDGs, we can help support and advance reconciliation efforts and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
An example of the connection between the SDGs and reconciliation can be seen through the Reconciliation Plan project highlighted by SDGs Australia. The initiative demonstrates the use of the SDGs as a framework – turning good intentions into measurable actions. The alignment of reconciliation efforts with specific SDGs highlights the inherent link between reconciliation and sustainable development and showcases how the SDGs can serve as a roadmap. Further connections to SDGs have been outlined below.
Goal 4: Quality Education – Reconciliation fosters a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge systems. By promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity, education plays a crucial role in achieving reconciliation and SDG 4.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Reconciliation aims to address the social, economic, and health inequalities faced by Indigenous peoples. By actively supporting reconciliation efforts, individuals and businesses contribute to reducing inequalities and advancing SDG 10.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Reconciliation involves acknowledging historical injustices, promoting truth-telling, and empowering Indigenous voices. These actions contribute to building just and inclusive societies, aligning with the principles of SDG 16.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Reconciliation requires collaboration and partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By actively engaging with Indigenous communities, businesses can foster meaningful partnerships and contribute to SDG 17’s goal of building effective partnerships for sustainable development.
Resources for Promoting Reconciliation: Empowering Businesses and Individuals to Make a Difference
Reconciliation Australia website: Reconciliation Australia offers a wealth of resources, including fact sheets, case studies, and educational materials, to foster reconciliation in various aspects of life and business. Their resources cover topics such as cultural protocols, respectful engagement, and reconciliation in the workplace.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Toolkit – Reconciliation Australia: This toolkit provides comprehensive guidance on developing and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan, which is a strategic document that outlines practical actions and initiatives to support reconciliation. It offers step-by-step instructions, case studies, and resources to assist businesses and organizations in their reconciliation journey.
Indigenous Cultural Competency Training – Australian Indigenous Governance Institute: This training program helps individuals and businesses develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives. It promotes cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competency, enabling participants to engage respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart – Referendum Council: The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a significant document that calls for constitutional recognition and a voice to Indigenous peoples in Australia’s Parliament. It provides valuable insights into the aspirations and priorities of Indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of Indigenous voices and self-determination.
Deadly Questions – Aboriginal Victoria: Deadly Questions is an initiative that encourages non-Indigenous individuals to ask questions and engage in conversations about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. It provides a safe platform to seek understanding and learn from Indigenous perspectives, promoting mutual respect and knowledge exchange.
Building Bridges: Reconciliation in the Workplace – Diversity Council Australia: This resource offers practical strategies and best practices for fostering reconciliation within the workplace. It provides insights into creating inclusive environments, supporting Indigenous employees, and embedding reconciliation into organizational policies and practices.
Books to Read
“Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe
“Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World” by Tyson Yunkaporta
“Talking to My Country” by Stan Grant
“The Yield” by Tara June Winch
“Too Much Lip” by Melissa Lucashenko
“The White Girl” by Tony Birch
Remember to support Indigenous authors and publishers when seeking books on reconciliation, as it helps amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives.
