“Reconciliation helps heal divisions and restore relationships that have been damaged by conflict or trauma. It involves acknowledging past wrongdoings, forgiving each other, and working towards building a better relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.”
Rex Cochrane, LiveBetter First Nations Program Advisor
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and is a time where we can come together to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also a time to consider how each of us might contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. It is particularly relevant at this time when Australia’s reconciliation journey is facing some uncertainty. The theme urges us to step forward together, to continue to look ahead, but be guided by the lessons we’ve learnt in the past.
What is reconciliation?
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by land dispossession, violence, and racism. Over the last 50 years, many positive steps towards reconciliation have been taken; however, although we’ve seen great strides forward, we’ve also experienced significant setbacks.
Reconciliation reminds us that reconciliation is a journey, and one that we undertake together.
Rex Cochrane, LiveBetter’s First Nations Program Manager, says, “Reconciliation is all about the sharing of histories and culture – strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people so together we can promote the positive change that will benefit everyone.”
At LiveBetter, our commitment to partnership with the First Nations Peoples in our workforce and our communities has always been a priority, and we look forward to working together to lay the foundations for a positive future.
