National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and a suite of activities is being hosted by Flinders University to broaden knowledge of shared histories, cultures and achievements.
The University’s 2019 National Reconciliation Week activities have so far included a Southern Elders’ traditional weaving workshop, a screening of Rabbit-Proof Fence, and a talk on Captain Cook’s representation as the embodiment of invasion in Australia, drawing on the Flinders University Art Museum’s expansive collections.
In line with this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme – Grounded in truth, walk together with courage, Flinders’ activities are designed to encourage immersion in discussion, unlearning and relearning knowledge, and further action to support reconciliation in Australia through broad community contributions.
A Unity Pin designed by Flinders University’s Allan Sumner, who is a lecturer in Aboriginal Studies at the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and an artist outside of his University role, has been chosen as a symbolic gift and distributed to guests at National Reconciliation Week events in Adelaide and around the nation.
Created specifically for 2019 National Reconciliation Week, the golden wattle in the design represents the deep spiritual connection of Aboriginal people to their land. Used by generations of Indigenous people for its medicinal properties and as a nutritional food source, the wattle is an enduring native plant that shares the Aboriginal virtues of resilience and sustainability.
Flinders University hosted or partnered events for National Reconciliation Week:
Southern Elders’ traditional weaving workshop
Monday 27 May, 11am to 1pm
Flinders Pantry + Cafe, Sturt campus
Lunchbox Lectures – Captain Cook through the lens of art
Tuesday 28 May, 12.10pm to 12:30pm
Flinders University Art Museum, Ground floor, Social Sciences North, Bedford Park campus
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002) – free movie screening
Tuesday 28 May, 2pm
Oasis Building, Bedford Park campus
Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration – Storytelling: Culture, Truth-telling and the Arts
Tuesday 28 May, 6.30 to 8.30pm
Bonython Hall, North Terrace
The Sapphires (2012) – free movie screening
Thursday 30 May, 12pm
The Plaza, Bedford Park campus
2019 Ruth and Vincent Megaw Lecture in Archaeology and Art
The History of Aboriginal Art in 25 Pictures… more or less…
Thursday 30 May 2019, 5.15 to 7.15pm
Alere Function Centre, Level 2, The Hub, Bedford Park campus
South Adelaide vs Woodville-West, SANFL Indigenous Round
Saturday 13 July
Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga Downs
Find out more on Flinders’ National Reconciliation Week webpage.
Check the reconciliation.org.au website for all events.