National Reconciliation Week

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol43 Issue18 22–26 May 2017

In 2017, ANU commemorates two important events in Australia’s reconciliation journey: 50 years since the 1967 referendum and 25 years since the historic Mabo decision.

During National Reconciliation Week (Friday May 26 -Saturday June 3) ANU is celebrating the achievements of our indigenous staff, students and research and hosting a range of great events across campus.

Highlights include:

National Sorry Day address presented by H.E. Mr Damien Miller, the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed as a Head of Mission overseas, and

Indigenous Heritage Tours with guides Dave Johnston, Wally Bell and Adrian Brown, who will share insights about the Indigenous heritage of Acton campus.

For more information about the events please go to the Reconciliation Week page.

I also encourage everyone to visit the Menzies Library to see a new exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum that has opened in the Noel Butlin Reading Room.

Vote 'Yes' for Equality celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum – a momentous time when Australian voters approved changes to two sections of the Constitution relating to Aboriginal Australians. 

The 'Yes' vote came after a campaign uniting Aboriginal Australians, political parties, trade unions and industry.

The ANU Archives' latest exhibition uses archival material to reveal some of the myths associated with the referendum, what the changes meant for Aboriginal people, and the fact that not all Australian citizens were eligible to vote. 

Great images, insights from the collection of trade union material and material from the National Archives of Australia as well!