A brief bulletin this month. Following our discussion of the referendum at our last meeting, we have created a page on our website to contain information about the proposal and campaign. Learning about the Uluru Statement and 2023 Referendum – ANTaR ACT. More information, including opportunities for conversations, below.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 8 May, 6pm via Zoom, when we will hear from one of our committee members, Michaella, about on her Research Project into the experience of formerly incarcerated women in the ACT. All are welcome – please email us on info@antaract.org.au for a link if you would like to join us.
Reconciliation Week 2023
The theme for National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June 2023 – is Be a Voice for Generations. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
In Canberra, our sixth annual Reconciliation Day event will be held on Monday 29 May 2023 at the National Arboretum Canberra – 10am to 3pm. ANTaR ACT will have a stall at this event, with information about the referendum and more. Please come and say hello. For more information, see https://events.canberra.com.au/reconciliation-day.
There is also the Reconciliation Concert, 7pm on Sunday 28 May 2023, at the Canberra Theatre. Legendary band Yothu Yindi will share the stage with host Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, and powerful young Canberran First Nations artists Alinta Barlow and Stewart Barton, in a celebration of their voices, stories and music. For more information, see: Reconciliation Concert 2023 | Canberra Theatre Centre.
In Queanbeyan, the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council is hosting their annual Reconciliation Walk on Tuesday 30 May 2023. Meet at 9.30am at Marj Christian Park on Trinculo Place, walking to to Reconciliation Place, Queanbeyan Park, finish at 12. For more information, see www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/Events/2023-Reconciliation-Walk.
Learning about the Uluru Statement and 2023 Referendum
In 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum on constitutional recognition through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice.
Learning about the Uluru Statement and 2023 Referendum – ANTaR ACT
In this page, we provide information and links to information about the referendum. ANTaR ACT is supporting the Yes campaign. In doing this, we are supporting the work of many First Nations people over many years to come to the invitation of Voice, Treaty, Truth set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. With a strong Yes vote, the nation will accept this invitation to work together for healing and justice.
We acknowledge the diversity of views and concerns of First Nations peoples around the proposal, and include links related to different perspectives as well. We support respectful and considered discussion of the proposal, issues and consequences, and hope people can use these resources to come to their own informed decisions when voting in the referendum.
Conversations about the referendum
Starting in May, there are opportunities to host conversations to learn more about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the referendum question.
Together, Yes: Victorian Women’s Trust supporting kitchen conversations. People can volunteer to host a conversion – no training needed, materials and support. Find out more here: Together, Yes – First Nations Voice to parliament (togetheryes.com.au).
Gracious Conversations: Another option for hosting conversations about the referendum, with a Christian perspective. Gracious Conversations – Common Grace
A former ANTaR ACT committee member, Valerie, is hosting Talking about the Voice gatherings, drawing on Gracious Conversations. Small groups, bring food to share, drinks, writing material, questions, a relational approach and an open heart for the thriving of all people and the blossoming of our Nation. Contact Valerie for more information: theoceansofenergy@gmail.com.
* Pearce home: Friday 5th May 5.30 p.m.
* Benedictus Garden: Saturday May 27th 2-4 p.m.
ANTaR ACT wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Canberra is situated, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We would also like to acknowledge other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may visit this area.