UOW educates and celebrates during National Reconciliation Week
The University of Wollongong (UOW) recognised National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) through a series of events aimed at building a more cohesive and equitable community and encourage all staff and students to be a voice for reconciliation.
Each year UOW staff and students come together during National Reconciliation Week to celebrate the individual and professional achievements of people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their contributions to making UOW a culturally diverse and inclusive university.
The National Reconciliation event held on campus on 1 June 2023, was organised by UOW’s Indigenous Strategy Unit and the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.
The event featured special guest speaker Aunty Joyce, dances from Muladha Gamara Dancers and Torres Strait Islander dance team Kebi Kub, a BBQ, bush tucker, weaving sessions and blak markets.
As part of National Reconciliation week, a series of seminars were held in person and online, aimed at providing staff and students with all the information they need on the proposed Voice to Parliament, with a focus on law, policy, and the importance of collective community.
The seminars featured experts drawn from UOW and the wider Community. The topics discussed were:
- Constitutional Reform: What it means to non-Indigenous voters.
- What is the Voice? Interactive session.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament: Beyond the Yes Vote.
Wiradjuri woman, Tammy Small, Manager Projects, Indigenous Advancement, said this year’s National Reconciliation Week was a time to reflect on the importance of the Voice to Parliament and to celebrate the shared culture, history, and achievements of First Nations peoples.
“We are working to ensure that we are educating the next generation about the significance of truth telling and of ensuring that First Nations peoples have a platform in the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
“Cultural immersion community events provide our staff and students with the opportunity to transform their thinking, through engaging with, and valuing, the stories of individuals. We must remember as a collective that reconciliation is everybody’s business.”
Link below to view the online National Reconciliation Week videos.
National Reconciliation Week - Videos