National Reconciliation Week at Flinders University

Flinders University’s collective vision is to foster an environment that recognises and embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledges and cultures. This vision for reconciliation is grounded in the concepts of togetherness, reciprocity, and respect.

The path to reconciliation is a whole-of-University responsibility and as such, we are pleased to be celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW) #NRW2023 which runs annually from 27 May – 3 June. These dates mark two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the historic 1992 Mabo decision, respectively.

To commemorate National Reconciliation Week, a series of events will be hosted on campus and online. We’re inviting our community to join us to mark these significant milestones and to be a part of the next big steps in our nation’s reconciliation journey.

Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging.

Events

Live Music & Cultural Activities

Enjoy live music & cultural art activities on the ground floor of the Student Hub, Bedford Park. Proudly supported by FUSA and Yungkurrinthi.

Monday 29 May - 11am - 2pm
Art workshop by Mali Isabel Art

Join Mali Isabel for an art workshop in the Hub. Mali is an Arabana and Kokatha artist, living and practising on Kaurna land (Adelaide) and specialises in creating contemporary dot paintings using all colours of the rainbow to spread her message of positivity and equality.

Tuesday 30 May - 11am - 2pm
Art Workshop by Flinders Student Mya and live music by Katie Aspel

Join us for an art workshop with Flinders student and artist Mya. Mya is a Ballardong-Noongar artist from Western Australia, currently living in SA and studying Archaeology at Flinders University.

Wednesday 31 May - 12pm - 1pm
Free donuts, live music and art activity

Join Yungkurrinthi Staff and Students for free First Nations coloured donuts, free socially conscious, bush tucker flavoured 'Yaru' brand water, an art activity and live music

Donuts will also be available at Sturt and Tonsley campuses kindly provided by FUSA

By, With, For, About, Against: Evaluating information by and about First Nations People

Date: Monday 29 May
Time: 12:30pm - 1pm
Location: Humanities Courtyard

Are you looking to include Indigenous voices and perspectives in your teaching? Finding it tricky to decide what resources you should or shouldn’t use?

Join Joanne Buckskin from Indigenous Studies and Tim Ormsby from Flinders University Library during National Reconciliation Week for an informal yarning circle where we’ll discuss appropriate terminology to use when talking about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well giving some guidance on selecting and evaluating appropriate resources to use in your teaching. Bring your lunch and come chat.

Colebrook Reconciliation Park Tour

Date: Thursday 1 June
Time: 10:30am - 12pm
Location: Colebrook Reconciliation Park, Shepherds Hill Road Karinya Reserve, Eden Hills

Join us for a free tour of the Colebrook Reconciliation Park in Eden Hills for Flinders University Students as part of National Reconciliation Week (NRW)!

Colebrook Reconciliation Park is where the Colebrook home once stood and is now a memorial for the Aboriginal children of the "Stolen Generation" and their families.

You will hear from members of the Blackwood Reconciliation Group and learn about the history of Colebrook and the meaning of the park. Visit the 'Fountain of Tears' and the 'Grieving Mother' statues sculpted by Silvio Apponyi to remember the Aboriginal children of the Stolen Generation.

FUSA will be providing transport options to the location. However, guests may also organise their own transport as well. Register for more details.

Proudly hosted by FUSA

Register Now

National Reconciliation Week Library Display

Date: Monday 29 May - Friday 2 June
Location: Central Library Entrance

Based on the theme of National Reconciliation Week "Be a voice for generations", the Library will display items from our collection by Indigenous authors

2023-2025 Innovate
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Launch

Date: Friday 2 June 2023
Time: 11am followed by light refreshments
Location: Plaza Lawns, Bedford Park

We invite you to walk with us, so that reconciliation becomes our way as a University.

Please join us for the launch of Flinders University’s second INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Capturing our vision to recognise and embrace two-way exchange, that inspires generosity of spirit, truth telling and a shared path, our second INNOVATE RAP intends to more deeply embed reconciliation into the lived actions of our University community.

Grounded in the concepts of togetherness, reciprocity, and respect, we hope you can lend your support to this important event coinciding with 2023 Reconciliation Week.

For staff and students based at our other sites, you can join the online event here

Register Now

2023 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration

Date: Monday 29 May 2023
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Location: Bonython Hall, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, Kaurna Country

The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, will deliver the 16th annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration during National Reconciliation Week.

Presented by the Don Dunstan Foundation

Purchase your ticket

Keynote Screenings

Time: 12:30pm
Location: Multimedia Lounge, Ground Floor, Student Hub

Monday 29 May
Dr Megan Davis Keynote - Voice to Parliament

Pro Vice-Chancellor Society
Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair
UNSW Sydney
Cobble Cobble woman of the Barunggam Nation

Watch Dr Megan Davis Keynote presented at the 2023 Universities Australia Conference

Tuesday 30 May
Dr Jennifer Caruso - The Uluru Statement

Dr Jennifer Caruso (B.A..Hons. PhD. (History)) is an Eastern Arrente woman whose research, writing, speaking, and facilitation focuses on the contemporary impacts of Aboriginal history across the 20thCentury. Dr Caruso’s work crosses the breadth of that history. Dr Caruso’s academic career has followed its own pattern, gaining her undergraduate and honours levels as a mature age student while lecturing in Indigenous Cultures and History at the University of Adelaide

Wednesday 31 June
Sorry Day: Stolen Generation Commemorative Film

Reconciliation SA documents the National Apology to the Stolen Generation and takes a up close and personal look at its impact on local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community members in South Australia and the ongoing importance of the now nationally commemorated, Sorry Day.

Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement (YSE) provides student support and pastoral care services to Indigenous students at Flinders University.

Find out more

Flinders Indigenous Scholarships

These scholarships provide grants of up to $5,000 to make a real difference to the lives of Indigenous students by helping students meet study related costs including essential study resources, textbooks, accommodation and daily travel.

Donate today