Reconciliation is about building a better relationship between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous communities. For reconciliation to work there needs to be a relationship of mutual respect between all involved parties (Australian Government 2015). The differences between each cultural group should be embraced. Assimilation or integration is not and never should be the aim but rather working together towards a future that benefits and improves the lives of all Australians (Department of Education 2015). For reconciliation to work the past needs to be shared, the present socio-economic differences need to be identified and a plan for the future needs to be developed in collaboration with all stakeholders (Reconciliation Australia 2010). Reconciliation isn’t a single event but rather many events that vary in size with the aim of improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians (Armstrong 2013). Reconciliation aims to create positive change in attitudes towards Indigenous Australians.
Why is reconciliation important?
There are gaps that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the areas of health, education, employment and shorter life expectancy (Australian Government 2015). A major component of the reconciliation movement is to identify these gap and develop strategies to close this gap so that all Australian’s can experience the same quality of life (Reconciliation Australia 2010). The reconciliation process recognises that histories need to be shared so that people can understand how the present relationships have been formed, and the importance of cultures can be respected (Reconciliation Australia 2010). Reconciliation is particularly important to Australia’s future and to creating a connected nation that upholds the Australian ideal of a fair go for all (Department of Education 2015).
