National Reconciliation Week 2024: join us as we honour the rights of First Nations peoples
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) occurs annually in Australia from 27 May to 3 June, an important time for all non-Indigenous Australians to learn more about the rich Cultures of First Nations Peoples and acknowledge the true histories of Australia.
The 2024 theme, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.
Allies and supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
We encourage our Deakin community to engage with National Reconciliation Week, learn about the importance of Deakin’s Indigenous Strategy, and take responsibility for our contributions towards a mature and reconciled nation
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
Find out more about National Reconciliation Week. #NRW2024
Get involved in NRW events near you
Check out what’s happening in your local area or take part in a Deakin NRW event.
Geelong
Telling stories through seaweed: the new Revitalising Connection exhibition
In honour of Reconciliation Week, Deakin Library is privileged to collaborate with the research group DeakinSeaweed and the Wathaurong Co-operative to celebrate the cultural connection to seaweed through the artwork of young Indigenous people living on Wadawurrung Country.
The new Revitalising Connection exhibition opens Monday 27 May, at the Waterfront Gallery (Waterfront Campus map) in the Alfred Deakin Prime Ministerial Library. This impactful display serves as a testament to the profound significance of art and creativity in supporting cultural identity, as well as the importance of sharing knowledge to develop a sense of ownership and belonging.
‘‘We are directly benefiting from work on land that has not been returned to the rightful owners it was stolen from, whether we want to face that reality or not. In this context, it is important that we push back against putting this kind of work in the ‘too hard basket’, and work towards creating projects that prioritise the needs and wants of communities whose lands we work on.’’
Now, more than ever, it is increasingly important to do the hard work. It might take time; you might have to build new connections, lean on colleagues – but this is the rent we must pay as non-Indigenous researchers. I feel this exhibition highlights the ways in which putting in this work can lead to some really beautiful and unexpected relationships, partnerships and outcomes for everyone involved.
Zoë Brittain
PhD candidate Zoë Brittain, who leads the seaweed revitalisation project as part of the research group DeakinSeaweed, worked with Aunty Judy Dalton-Walsh to develop several workshops that blended scientific and cultural knowledge, on-Country experiences, art and storytelling to revitalise the cultural connections to seaweed within Wadawurrung and the broader Indigenous community in Geelong. The pieces created in these workshops are the central feature of Revitalising Connection.
Join us for the exhibition opening of Revitalising Connection: DeakinSeaweed and Wathaurong Co-operative! Everyone from Deakin and the local community is warmly welcomed to join us to launch this exhibition on Thursday 30 May from 5.30pm, which will include family-friendly refreshments, as well as an opportunity to explore the exhibition and meet the young artists. REGISTER NOW
Melbourne
Deakin University Art Gallery: First Nations Artwork Tour | Wednesday 29 May, 12.30pm
In recognition of National Reconciliation Week 2024 (27 May–3 June), join the Deakin University Art Gallery on a tour of the work of First Nations artists at the Burwood Campus.
Deakin University’s Art Collection and Galleries Team have a strong commitment to the collection of works by First Nations artists, examples of which can be seen throughout our campuses and corporate centres.
Artists featured in the NRW tour include Kent Morris (founder of The Torch), Karen Casey, Peta Clancy, and Christian Thompson AO (among others) and include works that reflect the extraordinary range of mediums, techniques and processes that contemporary Indigenous artists are working with. The commonality between them, and where their strength lies, is their representation, and their connection to Country.
NRW 2024: First Nations Artwork Tour
Wednesday 29 May 2024, 12.30–1.30pm
Meet at the DEAKIN sign, at the bottom of Building LC, Elgar Rd side, Burwood Campus (campus map)
REGISTER NOW
Image: Peta Clancy, Fissures in Time 2 2017, inkjet pigment print, Purchase 2018, Deakin University Art Collection, image © and courtesy of the artist and Dominik Mersch Gallery, Sydney.
Warrnambool
How do we deal with the unfinished business of reconciliation? | Reconciliation Panel Discussion | Thursday 30 May, 12.30pm
Wata Waetnanda and Deakin University Warrnambool are proud to present this year’s Reconciliation Week Panel Discussion. Join panellists: Joey Chatfield-Berg, Jess Chatfield, Emily Falla and Reuben Smith for a thought-provoking discussion of this year’s core question: In the aftermath of the referendum how do we deal with the unfinished business of reconciliation? This event is FREE, but you must register to attend.
NRW 2024: How do we deal with the unfinished business of reconciliation?
Thursday 30 May 2024, 12.30–1.30pm
Brother Fox, Warrnambool Campus (campus map)
REGISTER NOW
Online
The Alfred Deakin legacy – A Tanderrum with Professor Mark Rose| Tuesday 18 June, 12pm
The Office of Indigenous Strategy and Innovation invite you to join Professor Mark Rose in the first of their Front-Burners – a series that foregrounds significant and mature conversations in First Nations matters for everyone.
In this edition, Professor Mark Rose, Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Innovation will unpack the Alfred Deakin legacy and discuss the Tanderrum and clearing the way forward.
The Alfred Deakin legacy – A Tanderrum with Professor Mark Rose
Tuesday 18 June, 12–1pm AEST, online via Zoom
REGISTER NOW
The National Reconciliation Week 2024 design and artwork represent the momentum of the theme Now More Than Ever. The chevron, a universal symbol for pointing the way, signifies advancing as one as we look towards a reconciled future; and the vibrant artwork of Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie Douglas encourages connecting with one another, understanding and continuing to move forward. The 2024 theme design incorporating the artwork is by Carbon Creative.
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