National Reconciliation Week 2021 – More Than A Word

Media release

National Reconciliation Week is a time where we acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and re-commit ourselves to progress reconciliation.

Our goal in reconciliation is a nation where all children have the same life chances and choices, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.

National Reconciliation Week begins and ends on two dates that mark significant events in Australia’s reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court’s 1992 Mabo decision.

2021 marks 20 years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of the Australian formal reconciliation process.

For reconciliation to be effective, it must actively address issues of inequality, racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP said, “Reconciliation is more than raising awareness and knowledge. 2021's theme, More than a word, Reconciliation takes action, urges all Australians to think about the meaningful ways to affect change”.

“Reconciliation does not just happen with the passing of time. We all have a role to play. We need more people speaking up and taking action.”

Through our actions, we can build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community.

The Morrison Government continues its commitment to reconciliation by reforming the way we work with Indigenous Australians to achieve the outcomes we all seek.

“I encourage everybody to reflect and engage with as much information from National Reconciliation Week as you can and turn that into action.

“Many councils, schools and community organisations are placing events online and I encourage all Australians to join in the celebrations of Indigenous excellence, recognise the significant contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to this country and find ideas on how you can take action.”

Share your events and messages using the hashtags #MoreThanAWord and #NRW2021.

For posters and other resources to help you host events and mark the occasion, visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/