Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia was established in 2001 to continue the efforts of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, which had been working towards reconciliation with the indigenous people of Australia since 1991.

Fast Facts

1. Chairs: Barbara Livesly, Mick Dodson
2. Established: January 2001
3. Non-governmental organization
4. Not for profit foundation
5. Funding: Corporate and government partnerships, individual donations

Vision

"An Australia that provides equal life chances for all, recognizing and respecting the special place, culture and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians." ¹

What is Reconciliation?

The organization's website describes reconciliation as the "symbolic recognition of the honoured (sic) place of the first Australians, as well as practical measures to address the disadvantage experienced by Indigenous people in health, employment, education and general opportunity."¹

Strategy

Reconciliation Australia works in three ways:

1. Building partnerships with public and private agencies to leverage efforts to achieve results
2. Educating, involving and motivating the community to get involved
3. Acting as an advisor to government and industry on the issues surrounding reconciliation and techniques that have proven to be successful

Key Projects

1. Reconciliation Action Plans: Assists organizations in developing their own plans to help close the 17 year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous children
2. National Reconciliation Week: Annual event celebrating the culture and history of Australia's indigenous people
3. National Indigenous Money Management Agenda: Addresses financial literacy in the indigenous population

Quotes

"I am inspired by this apology as an act of true reconciliation towards indigenous Australia...It allows us to move forward with honesty, an acceptance of shame about parts of our history and with courage, pride, maturity and hope."—Mick Dodson ²

"It is preferable, both morally and financially, to face up to mistakes as a nation rather than watching from the sidelines as they're tossed around in costly, adversarial court proceedings..."—Barbara Livesly ³

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