Reconciliation Week

Today, Friday 27 May marks the commencement of Reconciliation Week. This is the yearly period between 27 May and 3 June that reflects two significant dates in the reconciliation history, being the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision[1]. Reconciliation Week is an important part of the ongoing journey of meaningful change. We reflect on Australia’s colonial history, resulting in land dispossession and discrimination, but we also look forward in hope of a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

National Sorry Day

Reconciliation Week follows National Sorry Day, Thursday 26 May. A Day where the nation remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as “The Stolen Generations.” The first National Sorry Day was observed on 26 May 1998, a year after the report titled “Bringing Them Home”[2] was tabled in parliament as a result of a government inquiry into past policies of forced removal.

Our Commitment

Urban Protection Group is committed to doing our part to contribute to a more equitable and reconciled Australia. We have proudly partnered with Aspire Indigenous, who are a leading provider of Indigenous Labour Hire solutions, supporting organisations with cultural awareness training and indigenous policy development.

Aspire Indigenous partners with organisations to lead training sessions on awareness of factors which impact contemporary Indigenous Australians resulting from significant historical events. It is important to us to learn and gain an insight into Indigenous ways of working and how to succeed in achieving self-determination, and how we can help fulfil our obligations to facilitate that success. Training and education programs that bring about awareness and empathy are the first step to bringing about real change. We are honoured the have such genuine connections with our First Nations Peoples and are proud of the steps we are taking to strengthen our community involvement. For more information, contact info@aspireindigenous.com to learn more about the programs and training sessions run by Aspire Indigenous.

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[1] https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/What-is-National-Reconciliation-Week.pdf

[2] https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/bringing-them-home-report-1997