National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an opportunity for students to learn about and reflect on Australia’s Indigenous history, cultures, and the journey towards reconciliation. Schools play a vital role in fostering understanding and respect, making it essential to plan meaningful activities that engage students in this important conversation.

One effective way to mark NRW is by incorporating Indigenous perspectives into classroom discussions and learning. Reading books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, exploring Dreamtime stories, and discussing the significance of Country help students connect with Indigenous cultures. This learning can be complemented by inviting Indigenous guest speakers to share their experiences and knowledge, providing students with authentic voices and perspectives.

Creative activities, such as collaborative art projects inspired by Indigenous designs and symbols, can further reinforce reconciliation messages. A whole-class mural or individual storytelling artworks allow students to express their understanding of reconciliation in a visual and personal way.

Participating in community or school-wide initiatives, such as attending a local NRW event or holding a reconciliation assembly, strengthens students’ sense of connection and action. Schools can also encourage students to reflect on what reconciliation means to them by writing personal pledges or setting reconciliation goals for their school community.

By embedding these activities into the classroom, teachers can help students engage with reconciliation in a respectful, meaningful, and impactful way.