Introduction to Reconciliation

(Adapted from Reconciliation Australia)

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.

Reconciliation Australia’s vision of reconciliation is based and measured on five dimensions: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity.

These five dimensions do not exist in isolation, but are interrelated. Reconciliation cannot be seen as a single issue or agenda. For example, greater historical acceptance of the wrongs done to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can lead to improved race relations, which in turn leads to greater equality and equity.

Below, the dimensions are expressed as visions for Australian society.

The Five Dimensions of Reconciliation:

Race Relations

All Australians understand and value First Nations and non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect, and that are free of racism.

Equality and Equity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities (this should be reflected by “Closing the Gap” in key life outcomes).

Definition: Closing the Gap

The goal of reducing current gaps in health, education, employment, incarceration and other social outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-indigenous Australians.

Equally, the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld (this includes their right to self-determination).

Definition: Self-determination

The concept of self-determination refers to the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make decisions about matters that affect their lives. This right is enshrined under international law (Australian Human Rights Commission 2023).

This right is particularly irrefutable in Australia, where the sovereignty (right to self governance) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations has never been ceded to the British Empire or any Australian State.

Self-determination is also crucial to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Historically, First Peoples have been subjected to punitive and culturally inappropriate policies which fail to identify and/or address the causal factors contributing to complex social challenges. Such policy often impedes communities’ capacity to drive long-term change, and causes further harm.

Institutional Integrity

Active support for all dimensions of reconciliation by all political, business and community institutions. This refers to both individual actors (eg. Whoosh, a school, the Department of Education) and the ways they interact or cooperate with each other (eg. our use of the National Quality Framework, the relationship between your service and school staff).

Unity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights are a valued and recognised part of a shared national identity, and as a result, there is national unity.

In Practice

To uphold rights to self-determination, avoid cultural appropriation, and respect the sacred nature of some cultural knowledge and practices, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures must be celebrated as part of, but distinct within, our shared identity as Australians. Non-indigenous Australians should strive to engage with and champion First Nations’ cultural knowledge and practices without taking control, misrepresenting or damaging them.

What might this look like? It can often be hard to identify when harm is caused by our interactions with First Nations Peoples’ cultural practices, knowledges and artifacts. However, fear of causing harm must not prevent us from making our best efforts to celebrate First Nations cultures.

Two practices which help ensure that our engagements are respectful are:

● Listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those from our local communities.

● Commitment to ongoing critical reflection.

Remember: Celebrating First Nations cultures should be seen as an ongoing process of learning and reflection, much like the process of reconciliation itself. Although we must do so with care, fear of making mistakes shouldn’t prevent us from meaningful action if we act with real, genuine efforts and intentions. We should fear inaction more than mistakes.

Historical Acceptance

All Australians understand and accept the wrongs of the past and their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australia makes amends for past policies and practices, and ensures these wrongs are never repeated.

While historical events like Kevin Rudd’s Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples are extremely significant, they form part of an ongoing and incomplete process of learning and change. All Australians must continue to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to recount and describe their experiences by listening and learning. Historical acceptance means pursuing truth, justice and healing.

References

Australian Human Rights Commission & IndigenousX 2023, Self-determination and indigenous peoples, accessed 26 August, 2024, https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-social-justice/self-determination-and-indigenous

Reconciliation Australia, What is reconciliation?, accessed 26 August, 2024, https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/what-is-reconciliation/


 

Whoosh Care respectfully acknowledges the Dharawal, Wangal and Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we play and learn. We acknowledge their Elders, past, present and emerging and promise that we will respect and care for the land as best we can.