Little people to take big steps for reconciliation at The Corner

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to come together to share stories, histories and culture.

By Stella Read

May 27 – June 3 is National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to come together to share stories, histories, and culture. This year’s theme ‘Let’s take the Next Steps’ is a great opportunity to ask our children to join us to reflect and look to the future of our reconciliation journey.

National Reconciliation Week asks all Australians to be a part of the next big steps in our nation’s reconciliation journey and this week SLQ will host a special story time in The Corner with our friends from kuril dhagun who will share stories with children and families of the SLQ community.

In preparation we have been looking through the National Reconciliation Week teaching and learning ideas and the activities and ideas online from Narragunnawali : Reconciliation in Schools and Early Learning which suggest a number of ways to engage children and young people in the conversation and journey of reconciliation.  It’s a free community resource and simple to join.

State Library began commemorations of National Reconciliation Week last Saturday with a full day of community programming including an event blessing by Aunty Maroochy Barambah, a keynote address by Dr Chelsea Bond, and stimulating conversations held in the Tent Embassy on Maiwar Green, artist and activist Richard Bell’s homage to the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy.  The exhibitions Don't Just Count Us, Let Us Count! and Freedom Then, Freedom Now are open every day in kuril dhagun and the Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery and address freedoms won and lost, and the historic 1967 Referendum.

The communities of Queensland are so rich and diverse with so many stories to share we would love to hear how you are commemorating Reconciliation Week in your library this year.

SLQ will host a special story time in The Corner for National Reconciliation Week.