|
National
Strategy to Sustain the Reconciliation Process
This
strategy aims to keep the reconciliation process going after the Council
for Aboriginal Reconciliation has finished its work. It builds on growing
community support for reconciliation by suggesting actions for individuals,
groups, organisations and governments. The actions call for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community to work together
as equal partners.
The
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation is looking to:
Individuals
to learn and share history and cultures, challenge racism in their daily
lives, and join groups to undertake action for reconciliation;
Organisations
such as Elders Organisations and Land Councils to work together with
governments, businesses and institutions to find ways to include Indigenous
ceremony in public events and to establish symbols of reconciliation;
and
Governments
and organisations to provide leadership and funds, for example
for:
- education that
promotes reconciliation;
- bodies to lead
the reconciliation process;
- symbols of
reconciliation.
The Council
for Aboriginal Reconciliation welcomes your views and comments on this
draft. In particular, we want to know:
- if we have
suggested the right actions;
- if we have
suggested the right people to take the actions;
- if we have
suggested the right timing; and
- what you think
we should add or change.
|
Your
comments would be welcome before
Tuesday
4 April 2000
to
ensure they can be taken into account.
|
Please send your comments to:
Council
for Aboriginal Reconciliation
Locked Bag 14
Kingston ACT 2604
For
more information please contact:
National
Strategy to Sustain the Reconciliation Process
Setting the scene
This National Strategy
to Sustain the Reconciliation Process suggests ways in which the Australian
community can continue the process of reconciliation beyond the life
of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
The Council for
Aboriginal Reconciliation will cease operation from 1 January 2001.
In 1991, the Federal Parliament established the Council for Aboriginal
Reconciliation for a period of nine years to promote a formal process
of reconciliation in the Australian community, and to advise Parliament
about whether or not a document for reconciliation would help advance
the process. As its term now draws to a close, the Council can say it
has fulfilled its mandate. However, the Council remains aware that the
process of reconciliation is far from complete.
Thus, as part of
its proposals for a Document for Reconciliation, the Council has developed
this National Strategy to Sustain the Reconciliation Process, as a means
of suggesting a way for the reconciliation process to continue until
the Australian community is truly reconciled.
The Council believes
that it is important to continue the reconciliation process because,
through reconciliatory policies and practices, the Australian nation
can address the ongoing issues of disadvantage and discrimination.
It is widely acknowledged
that Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the
most disadvantaged peoples in this country. As many reports indicate,
the reasons for this disadvantage stem from our long history of blatant
discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
from dispossession from lands and seas; from separation of children
from their families; and from denial of cultures, languages and traditional
knowledge. Often, the problems of disadvantage and discrimination are
made worse because of the general community’s lack of understanding
and awareness of the historical facts. Through a continued process of
reconciliation, we can learn to understand and respect one another’s
histories, cultures and heritage.
The benefits of
a reconciled Australia are many. Through partnerships and cooperation
we can work together to alleviate poverty, illness and social disadvantage;
we can share in access to resources and infrastructure; we can generate
greater productivity through a multi-skilled labour force; we can forge
new businesses and industries; and we can better manage our environment
and heritage. A reconciled Australia would be an Australia which celebrates
the diversity of our peoples and allows all Australians to share in
the country’s economic prosperity.
This National Strategy
asks the Australian community to make solid commitments to actions that
will support a reconciled Australia. The Council has identified areas
in which action is needed to sustain the reconciliation process. They
are: leadership; education; a people’s movement for reconciliation;
and sharing of histories, cultures and heritage. In some of these areas,
the Council and the community have already done considerable work. In
other areas, it will be up to the Australian community to find ways
to initiate and implement action.
Perhaps the most
visible sign of the reconciliation process so far is the emergence of
a solid people’s movement for reconciliation. The Council recognises
that the continuing growth of the people’s movement will be fundamental
to the maintenance of reconciliation, because it will be the people’s
power that influences change. Already, in each State and Territory there
now exist Reconciliation Committees made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous
community leaders who set direction and provide leadership for their
areas. In our regions and towns there are thousands of Local Reconciliation
Groups which voluntarily promote reconciliation events and activities,
and raise awareness about cross-cultural issues. Across our government
and business sectors, partnership agreements are being developed with
local Indigenous peoples to create more harmonious and inclusive communities.
The growth of the
people’s movement has meant changes to the way Australians do business,
for example, government, business and community leaders are increasingly
acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage
by observing appropriate Indigenous ceremony at official meetings and
events. The establishment of symbols of reconciliation, such as monuments,
signage and visual artworks, is also increasing in our local towns and
communities.
There is strong
evidence that the whole community benefits when Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples and the wider community reach mutual understanding
and work together on joint ventures.
Slowly, the Australian
community is awakening to the call for a shared understanding of our
past histories, cultures and heritage. However, we still have a long
way to go.
Many Australians
are not aware of the issues or see reconciliation as unimportant or
divisive. Different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have
very different responses to the reconciliation process, ranging from
rejection to strong support. This Strategy seeks to reach more people.
With the end of
the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation on 1 January 2001, the future
of reconciliation is now in our hands. It is we the Australian community
that must take this step to commit to action for a future reconciliation,
for a united and tolerant Australia that embraces its Indigenous peoples
as the first peoples of these lands and seas, and respects all peoples
regardless of their differences. By committing to actions in this National
Strategy, and/or by implementing other actions that the community develops,
we can help keep the spirit of reconciliation alive in our community.
The actions we
can take
To achieve its vision
and objectives for this national strategy, the Council for Aboriginal
Reconciliation has identified six areas where action is needed to sustain
the reconciliation process. This strategy sets out actions to:
- maintain
leadership for the reconciliation process;
- strengthen education
towards reconciliation;
- maintain a vital
people’s movement for reconciliation;
- value Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander ceremonies in significant events and celebrations;
- establish symbols
of reconciliation; and
- protect the reconciliation
process in law.
1. Maintain
leadership for the reconciliation process
The strategy proposes
leadership in the reconciliation process at the national, State, Territory
and community level.
Leadership by all
parliaments, political parties and all levels of governments, as well
as by heads of organisations and community leaders, is essential to
ensure the ongoing reconciliation process.
The Council has
spent time in its final term developing a proposal for a new structure
that will take over where it leaves off, in promoting and supporting
reconciliation and community action at the national level. This body,
to be called Reconciliation Australia, is to be an independent foundation.
During its life,
the Council encouraged the establishment of formal leadership structures
such as State Reconciliation Committees and Local Reconciliation Groups.
This strategy seeks to maintain these structures beyond 2000. State,
Territory and Regional Reconciliation Committees will continue to guide
the reconciliation process at the State, Territory, regional and community
level. They will also contribute to the direction of Reconciliation
Australia. Local Reconciliation Groups will continue to undertake reconciliation
action within local communities and, in this way, potentially influence
the direction of the reconciliation movement at the national level.
Objectives
- Continuing effective
leadership for the reconciliation process at the national, State,
Territory and local level.
Actions – what
needs to be done and who will do it
Federal, State,
Territory and local governments
A. From 2000,
Federal, State, Territory and local governments:
- affirm their
support for the reconciliation process and for the Document of Reconciliation;
- provide resources
(including funding) to support State, Territory and Regional Reconciliation
Committees, and Local Reconciliation Groups; and
- take steps to
increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples in leadership positions in government.
Private sector
organisations
A. From 2000,
private sector organisations:
- affirm their
support for the reconciliation process and for the Document of Reconciliation;
- provide resources
(including funding) to support Reconciliation Australia and State,
Territory and Regional Reconciliation Committees; and
- take steps to
increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples in leadership positions in the private sector.
Voluntary and
community organisations
A. From 2000, voluntary
and community organisations:
- affirm their
support for the reconciliation process and for the Document of Reconciliation;
- provide resources
(including funding) to support Reconciliation Australia, State, Territory
and Regional Reconciliation Committees and Local Reconciliation Groups;
and
- take steps to
increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples in leadership positions in voluntary and community organisations.
Reconciliation
Australia
A. From 2001, Reconciliation
Australia will:
- provide national
leadership in the reconciliation process;
- promote reconciliation
through providing information and promoting discussion;
- raise funds to
support reconciliation activities;
- be responsive
to the People’s Movement for Reconciliation;
- report on the
reconciliation process (including in relation to the Document for
Reconciliation);
- provide a place
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community
to come together to seek common ground.
State, Territory
and Regional Reconciliation Committees
A. From 2000, State,
Territory and Regional Reconciliation Committees:
- lead and coordinate
efforts for reconciliation in their own States, Territories and regions;
- live out the
principles of reconciliation by involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples equally;
- contribute the
views of the people’s movement to Reconciliation Australia;
- support local
communities in achieving the goals of the Document for Reconciliation
and demonstrating commitment to the Declaration for Reconciliation;
and
- seek funding
from State, Territory and local governments and private sector organisations
to employ community-based workers for reconciliation at the State,
Territory and/or regional level.
Local Reconciliation
Groups
A.
From 2000, Local Reconciliation
Groups will lead the community in demonstrating reconciliation in action
by:
- living out the
principles of reconciliation by involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples equally;
- learning from
sharing the honest telling of Australian history;
- addressing racism,
injustice and inequality;
- appreciating
diversity and acknowledging and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians’ culture and heritage;
- holding reconciliation
events and observing significant days in the Australian calendar;
- making and gathering
commitments to the Document for Reconciliation;
- forming partnerships
and agreements;
- encouraging other
Local Reconciliation Groups; and
- influencing the
manner in which governments, private sector, peak bodies, voluntary
and community organisations, Reconciliation Australia and State, Territory
and local committees advance reconciliation in Australia.
2. Strengthen
education towards reconciliation
The Council for
Aboriginal Reconciliation has long recognised that most Australians
do not know the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
before and after British colonisation of Australia or the effect of
colonisation on them. It has long advocated school and community education
and awareness-raising about this history. The National Strategy to Sustain
the Reconciliation Process recognises understanding of these issues
through education as the first step in achieving reconciliation.
Community consultation
shows strong support for this view. Education can bring recognition
and respect for one another’s histories, cultures and ways of living
and overcome misconceptions about Australia’s history and the current
social, economic and political issues facing contemporary Indigenous
society.
Many Australians,
both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from the
wider community, do not know about or support the reconciliation process.
People often do not know what reconciliation has to do with them or
the benefits it can bring to all Australians.
The way that governments,
organisations and schools usually operate in Australia is often different
from the more collaborative approach preferred by many Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples and can exclude them from full participation.
This strategy proposes
action by Commonwealth, State and Territory departments, organisations
and groups, the media and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It includes particular roles for education departments. It seeks to
ensure that as many Australians as possible are involved in the honest
telling of the history of Australia from the perspectives of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community and the benefits
of reconciliation. It recognises that both Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians and the wider community suffer from a lack of knowledge
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage and culture.
It seeks to overcome current levels of ignorance and racism.
The strategy also
aims for better communication and working relationships between Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community in government
agencies, organisations and schools. It recognises that the reasons
that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not supportive
of the reconciliation process may be different from the reasons people
in the wider community are not involved. Council believes that the implementation
of all its strategies will inevitably bring a large number of all Australians
on side.
Objectives
- Australians increasingly
understand Australia’s history including perspectives of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledge the past and value
the wealth and diversity of our shared cultures and heritage.
- Governments,
organisations and individuals increasingly identify and remedy behaviour
and practices that disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples on the basis of race.
- Schools, institutions,
governments and organisations increasingly operate in ways that respect
the cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Actions – what
needs to be done and who will do it
| Actions
in schools and tertiary institutions |
| A. |
By
2002, the Commonwealth Government provides sufficient resources
for the development and provision of curriculum materials to support
the teaching in all schools of the history of Australia, including
the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, |
| B. |
By
2003, State and Territory governments incorporate within the core
curriculum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, racism
awareness and the history of Australia including the perspectives
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
| C. |
By
2003, State and Territory governments develop appropriate learning
resources, where possible working with Aboriginal education groups
and Elders to focus on local community history. Aboriginal education
groups and Elders should be provided with adequate support and respect
for the work that they do. |
| D. |
By
2002, State and Territory governments fund informed pre-service
and in-service training of teachers to ensure competence in teaching
Australia’s history, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples’ perspectives, and allocate funds for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander presenters. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
presenters should be provided with adequate support and respect
for the work that they do. |
| E. |
By
2003, private and independent schools incorporate into their core
curriculum, studies in the history of Australia, including Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, where possible
working with Aboriginal education groups and Elders to focus on
local community history. Aboriginal education groups and Elders
should be provided with adequate support and respect for the work
that they do. |
| Actions
by educational organisations |
| F. |
By
2002, teacher unions and professional organisations support the
incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies and
cultural awareness training into core curricula. |
| G. |
By
2001, tertiary education unions and professional associations exert
their influence on universities to ensure that all students whose
work will involve delivery of services to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples undertake appropriate cultural and racism
awareness training as a core part of their undergraduate studies.
|
| H. |
By
2003, Parents and Friends Associations and Student Associations
will support their teachers and students in learning the history
of Australia, including the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies,
and racism awareness. |
|
Actions
in workplaces
|
| I. |
By
2005, public and private sector workplaces encourage all staff to
participate in accredited cross-cultural awareness programs which
they provide as a regular part of staff development and training
and to adopt culturally appropriate ways of working. |
| J. |
From
2001, Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies and
private sector organisations include in their publications regular
features about progress with reconciliation. |
| K. |
By
2005, community education providers and community-based workers
for reconciliation run programs on Australia’s history, including
the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage,
using materials such as Learning Circle kits. |
|
Community
action
|
| L. |
By
2000, individuals take responsibility for their own education about
the history of Australia, including pre-colonial Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander history and the perspectives of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples on Australian history since colonisation
and its impact on their land, heritage and cultures. |
| M. |
By
2000, groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
and non-Indigenous Australians use reconciliation Learning Circle
kits as a vehicle for learning and sharing the history of Australia
including the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples and understanding current issues relating to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
| N. |
By
2000, groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
and non-Indigenous Australians join together to tell their own stories
and hear each other’s stories. |
|
Actions
by media
|
| O. |
By 2001, managers
of mainstream, Indigenous and alternative media:
feature regular
stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians;
challenge
stereotypes about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
feature stories
about partnerships between non–Indigenous and Indigenous Australians;
feature other
stories that demonstrate progress in reconciliation; and
regularly
include stories; editorials and community service announcement
that demonstrate the benefits of and progress in achieving reconciliation.
|
|
Action
by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and people
|
| P. |
By
2002, members of Aboriginal education groups develop ways of assisting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make appropriate
presentations in educational institutions and workplaces. |
| Q. |
By
2003, members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
assist in teaching the history of Australia in schools and workplaces
and in the delivery of pre-service and in-service training of teachers.
|
3. Maintain a
vital people’s movement for reconciliation
The Council recognised
that, for reconciliation to become a prominent issue that is widely
understood and supported in the Australian community, it was necessary
to build a strong base of people power. The Council has therefore encouraged
the formation of Local Reconciliation Groups and has promoted events
and activities such as National Reconciliation Week and Learning Circles.
It has widely distributed posters and stickers demonstrating the reconciliation
message and published a national newsletter Walking Together
to promote, inspire and provide some sense of unity within the people’s
movement.
The Council is concerned
to ensure that the momentum for the people’s movement will be maintained
after it finishes at the end of 2000.
The Council for
Aboriginal Reconciliation believes that people are more effective in
their actions when they form groups. For several years now, people in
the Australian community have joined together to form Local Reconciliation
Groups. Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) is a
reconciliation group with a large number of supporters around the country.
Because the Council
believes that reconciliation is the responsibility of all Australians,
it has encouraged sectoral as well as community commitment and actions.
The Council has concentrated its effort in encouraging the support and
commitment of the following sectors: governments, business, media, education,
youth, women, ethnic and faith groups. The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation
has encouraged the establishment of State, Territory and Regional Reconciliation
Committees to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives
of these sectors to work together at the State, Territory or regional
level.
Objectives
- Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Australians and members of the wider community
work together in groups and organisations to complete agreed projects
that advance reconciliation and contribute to a national ethos that
is free of racism and prejudice and celebrates diversity of cultures.
Actions – what
needs to be done and who will do it
|
Forming
active Local Reconciliation Groups
|
| A. |
Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians
work together at the local and regional level in support of reconciliation. |
|
Special
dates in the Australian Calendar
|
| B. |
By 2001, individuals
and Local Reconciliation Groups, governments, businesses, other
sectors and the media each year observe and support:
- National
Reconciliation Week between 27 May and 3 June* (*NB significance
of these dates ie anniveraries of ’67 Referendum and High Court’s
Mabo decision to be included in
the margin);
- The anniversary
of Sorry Day (26 May 1998) and the continuing Journey of Healing;
- National
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day Observance Committee
(NAIDOC) week* (*held in most States in first week in July;
held in Tasmania in September); and
- The International
Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples (9 August).
|
| C. |
By 2001, individuals
and Local Reconciliation Groups, governments, businesses, other
sectors and the media:
- seek support
from the Federal Government to change the date of Australia
Day (26 January) to a date that includes all Australians
|
|
Partnerships
and agreements
|
| D. |
From
2001, increasing numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Australians and non-Indigenous Australians join together to form
partnerships to achieve jointly agreed goals at the local level. |
| E. |
From
2001, increasing numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Australians and local governments forge agreements to improve living
conditions (eg see agreements in the National Strategy to Address
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disadvantage), recognise continuing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to land
(see the National Strategy to to Protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Rights) and celebrate cultures. |
|
Making
and gathering commitments to the Document for Reconciliation
|
| F. |
From
2000, individuals and groups, including local governments, commit
to the Document for Reconciliation by signing pledge books and providing
opportunities for others to sign (for example, at public events,
such as those held during National Reconciliation Week). |
| G. |
From
2001, individuals and groups show their commitment to the Declaration
for Reconciliation by both practical and symbolic gestures and action. |
| H. |
From
2001, individuals and groups show their support for legislative
protection for the Document for Reconciliation and seek government
and cross-party support for such legislation. |
4. Value and
respect appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremonies
in significant events
Including Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander ceremony in everyday Australian life, will
ensure that the cultures and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples are fairly acknowledged, represented, respected and
valued in our society. In doing so, we will begin to create a national
identity or ethos that is more honest and whole.
As part of its goals
to promote understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
in the wider community, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation adopted
the use of appropriate Indigenous protocols at public meetings and ceremonies.
Many organisations and some governments are now adopting this practice.
Indigenous ceremony
includes the traditional customs, etiquette and formalities practised
in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Such ceremony includes
"Welcomes to Country" or "Smoking Ceremonies". The
meanings of these ceremonies and the practices differ from place to
place. It is important that the right people perform such ceremonies
on their own land or country.
Major sporting events,
openings of Parliament, commencement of major building projects, citizenship
ceremonies and major meetings and festivals are occasions where such
ceremonies might take place. The chair of smaller public meetings might
like to start by acknowledging that the meeting is taking place in the
country of the traditional owners.
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples or people from the wider community can initiate
the strategy. Getting started involves talking together to decide what
might be appropriate and who could do it.
The process will
not always be easy. The first step is negotiation between representatives
of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and the representatives
of organisations in the wider community about suitable occasions and
content, and how to organise an event. Adopting such practices enables
the wider community to share in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
ceremony and has been found to lead to better community relationships.
Objectives
- Increased understanding
of and mutual respect for cultural practices by both Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Australians and the wider community through
observation of protocols and sharing of ceremonies.
- Improved relationships
between representatives of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
leaders and the wider community through negotiations relating to ceremonies.
Actions – what
needs to be done and who will do it
| A. |
From
2000, local, State and Federal governments acknowledge the existence
and/or presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
at official events and ceremonies where appropriate. |
| B. |
From
2000, through negotiation and consultation with local Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Elders or organisations, local, State
and Federal governments incorporate Indigenous ceremony into official
events and ceremonies where appropriate. Examples may include:
- Local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders offer a ‘Welcome
to Country’ at the opening sessions of new Parliaments and at
citizenship ceremonies; and
- New Members
and leaders of political parties make ‘Acknowledgement of Country’
in their first speeches
|
| A. |
From 2000,
through negotiation and consultation with local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Elders or organisations, event organisers,
festival organisers and sporting bodies incorporate appropriate
Indigenous ceremony into official proceedings. For example:
- Major festivals
such as the Adelaide Arts Festival, the Sydney Film Festival
and the National Word Festival ask local Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Elders or organisations to participate in the
opening of these events; and
- Masters
Games ask local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
or organisations to participate in the opening ceremony for
these events.
|
| B. |
From
2000, public officials, private executives, community leaders and
individuals take responsibility to include "Acknowledgment
of Country" in public speeches or public meetings where appropriate. |
| C. |
From
2000, media agencies and journalists publish reports on the significance
of incorporating Indigenous ceremony into everyday Australian culture,
and explain the meanings of particular ceremonies. |
| D. |
From 2001,
governments at all levels, institutions and organisations develop
agreements with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative
bodies about:
- appropriate
ceremonies for particular events;
- who should
perform the ceremonies;
- mutually
agreed terms and conditions of remuneration;
- service
delivery; and
- relevant
cultural and intellectual property matters
|
| E. |
From
2001, Land Councils, ATSIC offices and other local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander representative bodies assist their wider
community in the processes of incorporating appropriate Indigenous
ceremony into official and public events. |
| H. |
From
2001, academics and research institutions involved in Indigenous
affairs publish research articles on the place of Indigenous ceremony
in Australian culture. |
5. Establish
symbols of reconciliation
The Council for
Aboriginal Reconciliation believes that the recognition and respect
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and heritage
is fundamental to the process of reconciliation. Establishing symbols
of reconciliation is one practical way that we can do this.
At present, commemorative
statues, monuments and signage that we see in our landscape usually
represent histories or heroes from a non-Indigenous perspective. By
establishing more symbols of reconciliation that represent histories
and heroes from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective,
we can achieve a more balanced interpretation of Australia’s histories
and cultures. Symbols of reconciliation would include such things as
monuments or statues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
or historical events; signage that tells Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander stories; or the naming of places in appropriate Aboriginal
or Torres Strait Islander language.
To establish a symbol
of reconciliation, we must make sure that the whole community has their
say on their histories and cultures, and that the symbol is representative
of all peoples including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We must therefore undertake appropriate processes of negotiation and
consultation in the community.
The whole community
benefits from practical symbols of reconciliation. Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples are recognised alongside people from the wider
community, history is recorded and the whole community gains a true
sense of who we are.
Objectives
- Inclusion of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in physical representation
of Australian history and cultures.
- Recognition of,
and respect for, the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples, histories, cultures and heritage to Australian society.
- Increasing community
harmony through consultation and negotiation processes involving local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.
Actions – what
needs to be done and who will do it
| A. |
Through negotiation
and consultation with Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities, Federal and State/Territory governments and government
agencies establish symbols of reconciliation. Examples may include:
- the National
Museum of Australia establishes a memorial to commemorate black/white
conflicts;
- war memorials
around the country recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples who have served in defence of Australia and in its peace-keeping
forces;
- the Australian
government negotiates an alternative date for Australia Day;
- Australia
Post issues a stamp for National Reconciliation Week;
- regional
and local museums and galleries establish "Reconciliation"
displays, symbols and artworks;
- schools
establish symbols of reconciliation and fly the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander flags; and
- airports,
train stations and other examples of urban design include symbols
of reconciliation.
|
| B. |
Through negotiation
and consultation with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities, private industry and local businesses support the
establishment of symbols of reconciliation. Examples may include:
- mining
companies establish signage to acknowledge the local Indigenous
peoples and their cultures and heritage prior to development;
and
- sporting
bodies establish symbols acknowledging the contributions of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting heroes.
|
| C. |
By
2001, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities work
in partnership with local councils, businesses and not-for-profit
organisations to establish local symbols of reconciliation in their
townships. |
| D. |
By
2001, ATSIC, ALGA, DIMA distribute a Local Symbols of Reconciliation
"How-To Project Kit" that provides easy to follow guidelines
and advice on how local communities can establish their own local
symbols of reconciliation. |
| E. |
By
2001, tourist organisations promote the local symbols of reconciliation
in their area to tourists and visitors. |
| F. |
Regional
and local heritage and environment agencies keep a register of significant
symbols of reconciliation, and promote measures to protect the symbols
of reconciliation in their area. |
| G. |
Regional
and local media agencies, journalists and corporate newsletters
(such as museum newsletters) publish stories on the significance
of symbols of reconciliation, and explain the meanings of particular
symbols. |
6. Protect the
reconciliation process in the law
All State and Territory
parliaments and the Commonwealth Parliament have formally stated their
commitment to the reconciliation process. Most State and Territory parliaments
and many local governments have also issued apologies to Aboriginal
peoples and Torres Strait Islanders who have been affected by policies
that have forcibly removed children from their families.
This strategy now
seeks to provide legal protection for the document, which will assist
in maintaining the reconciliation process. This part of the strategy
complements the National Strategy to Promote Recognition of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Rights which proposes a legislated framework
that sets out unfinished business and a way to address those outstanding
issues.
The strategy provides
for Commonwealth, State and Territory parliaments pass formal motions
and Acts of Parliament that recognise and protect the Declaration for
Reconciliation. Ultimately, it proposes constitutional protection for
the Declaration for Reconciliation.
Objectives
- All Commonwealth,
State and Territory jurisdictions recognise and protect the Declaration
for Reconciliation through formal motions and Acts of Parliament.
Actions – What
needs to be done and who will do it?
| A. |
By
2001, Commonwealth, State and Territory Parliaments pass formal
motions of support for the Document for Reconciliation including
measures to include provisions about agreements in legislation. |
| B. |
The
Commonwealth Parliament promotes amendment of the Constitution to
include a provision that authorises the Declaration of Reconciliation
(NB this action is also listed in the National Strategy to Promote
Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rights).
|
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