National Reconciliation Week runs annually from 27 May-3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey- the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. The 2021 NRW theme is:
IN MORE THAN A WORD
Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To our new supporters, please remember the importance of privileging and amplifying First Nations’ voices as you add your voice to calls for reconciliation and justice.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
2021 marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process.
Find out more about National Reconciliation Week #MoreThanAWord #NRW2021
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. (from NRW site) https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/
Our Race for Reconciliation by 
Welcome to Country by 
Stories for Simon by 
Born in Darwin and raised in the remote NT communities Milingimbi and Maningrida, Danzal Baker, known professionally as Baker Boy, is an Australian rapper, dancer, artist, and actor. A dynamic performer, Baker Boy is best known for his original hip-hop songs incorporating both English and Yolŋgu Matha. In January, Danzal was named Young Australian of the Year 2019.
Click on Reconciliation News to read the interview with Baker Boy.
As the 2019 Young Australian of the Year, Danzal Baker/ Baker Boy, focuses his talents as a poet, rap artist, and role model to showcase his Indigenous culture for young Australians, and encourage them to embrace their culture and keep on track so they can become the next leaders.
“. . . My music shows two worlds coming together . . . everyone loves music, everyone listens to music . . . not just hip-hop. . . all different genres of music. When you listen to it, you just get that feeling . . . I rap in English and in Yolngu Maltha, my language . . . to show my side of the story . . . I want to inspire the next generation to keep pushing and keep trying . . . It's important that, no matter the struggles and the pressure society puts on you, stay strong, healthy and positive, you will get through. Every single one of us matters, our stories, our voices matter. With love and respect, we have the power to shape the future."
The 2021 National Reconciliation Week theme graphics are drawn from the artwork Action by Jessica Johnson.
The artwork reflects our connection and mutual obligation to one another, community and Country. Through commonality and difference, we have the ability to come together and achieve real change.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been listening to the heart beat of the land and seafor generations. With their rainbow shaped souls the spirits ask for us to join and make reconciliation more than a word, take action. We need to love one another and every aspect of the existing environment and community – we all have a role to play.
We are the change.
This artwork was commissioned by Reconciliation Australia in association with 33 Creative who advised on and managed the theme creation and development.
SHIRLEY PURDIE: MY STORY, NGAGINYBE JARRAGBE SHIRLEY PURDIE AUTHOR and ILLUSTRATOR
Magabala Image of Shirley Courtesy Warmun Art Centre
Shirley Purdie is a famous Australian artist who lives in Warmun community, in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. This is her first children’s picture book.
When asked about what it means to share her story with children, Shirley said “Good to put it in painting, your Country, so kids can know and understand. When the old people die, young people can read the stories from the paintings. They can learn from the paintings and maybe they want to start painting too.”
In her book, Shirley Purdie: Ngaginybe Jarragbe My Story, Shirley tells us about her life growing up on Mabel Downs station, and about her Gija Culture, Country and Dreaming. She explains why her Dreaming is Echidna Dreaming and she teaches us about bush fruit and hunting. She also tells us about her working life, as a maid working in the homestead on Mabel Downs station, and later in life as an artist, and how her mum taught her how to paint her Country. Shirley is well-known for painting with richly textured ochre and charcoal.
You can see more of her artwork at https://warmunart.com.au/art/artists/senior/shirley-purdie/
[Images “Courtesy of the artist and Magabala Books”]
Took The Children Away by 
Tel Me Why by 
Collecting Colour by 
Playground by 
Maralinga by 