Helping younger generations to understand Reconciliation


Released 24/05/2018

National Reconciliation Week takes place from Sunday 27 May until Sunday 3 June 2018 and Libraries ACT is proud to support events to help all Australians learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and our shared history.

In 2018, the ACT becomes Australia’s first state or territory to recognise reconciliation with a public holiday on Monday 28 May. Senior Manager of Content and Engagement at Libraries ACT, Sarah Steed, hopes the Canberra community embraces the first Reconciliation Day and takes part in National Reconciliation Week with Libraries ACT.

“National Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration commemorating two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. It is a time for all Australians, of all nationalities, cultures and ethnicities, to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements,” Ms Steed said.

“On National Sorry Day (Saturday 26 May), author Coral Vass and illustrator Dub Leffler will launch their new children’s book, Sorry Day, in Canberra at the National Library of Australia at 2 pm. I’m thrilled to invite Canberrans to meet them both ahead of this event at Woden Library on Saturday from 10.30 am to 11.30 am for a special reading of this important story.”

Sorry Day tells the tale of Maggie, a little girl standing with her mother on the lawns of Parliament House with hundreds of people to listen to then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, deliver the Federal Government’s public apology to the Stolen Generation. Maggie’s hand slips from her mother’s and she fears they have been separated forever. Entwined with Maggie’s tale is that of another child who was part of the Stolen Generation many decades earlier.

“This story is a powerful telling of events in Australia’s history whose relevance remains as we continue the reconciliation journey. Importantly, it is told in an age-appropriate and engaging manner to help children to understand the devastation and sorrow experienced by the Stolen Generation.

“We will also hold a special Reconciliation Week rap workshop for 12-16 year olds at Tuggeranong Library on Saturday 2 June 2018. Local Indigenous rap artist, WIZZ, will lead this interactive workshop which will encourage attendees to create their own rap relating to the theme of reconciliation.

“We would also like to remind everyone that all Libraries ACT branches and the ACT Heritage Library will be closed for the Reconciliation Day public holiday on Monday 28 May 2018. Online services will be available, including downloading eBooks, eAudio, digital magazines and music, and searching, requesting and renewing items online. Items can be returned using the return chutes located at each branch,” Ms Steed concluded.

All Libraries ACT programs and events are free, however bookings are essential as places are limited. For more information on the variety of programs and events and to book, visit www.library.act.gov.au or call 6205 9000.

- Statement ends -

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