Flinders celebrates National Reconciliation Week

To commemorate National Reconciliation Week, Flinders University and Flinders University Student Association are hosting a series of events on campus and online – so the whole community can join these significant milestones and be part of taking big steps forward in our nation’s reconciliation journey.

Monday 29 May

National Reconciliation Week Library Display

Based on the National Reconciliation Week theme “Be a voice for generations”, the Flinders Library will display items from our collection by Indigenous authors.

Central Library Entrance

Art workshop by Mali Isabel Art

Join Mali Isabel for an art workshop in the Hub. Mali is an Arabana and Kokatha artist, living and practising on Kaurna land (Adelaide), and specialises in creating contemporary dot paintings using all colours of the rainbow to spread her message of positivity and equality.

Ground Floor, Student Hub, Bedford Park campus, 11am-2pm.

By, With, For, About, Against: Evaluating information by and about First Nations People

Are you looking to include Indigenous voices and perspectives in your teaching? Finding it tricky to decide what resources you should or shouldn’t use? Join Joanne Buckskin from Indigenous Studies and Tim Ormsby from Flinders University Library during National Reconciliation Week for an informal yarning circle to discuss appropriate terminology when talking about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well offering guidance on selecting and evaluating appropriate resources to use in your teaching. Bring your lunch and come for a chat. Register here if you want to be involved.

Humanities Courtyard, 12.30-1pm.

2023 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration

The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, will deliver the 16th annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration during National Reconciliation Week. Presented by the Don Dunstan Foundation.

Bonython Hall, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, 5.30-7.30pm.

Keynote Screening: Dr Jennifer Caruso – The Uluru Statement keynote presentation

Multimedia Lounge, Ground Floor, Student Hub, 12.30pm.

Plaza Screening: Fearless Conversations: Reconciliation for our Future

Facilitated by 7NEWS Journalist and Presenter, Jane Doyle OAM, the panel includes Hon Kyam Maher – Attorney-General of SA, Shona Reid – CEO of Reconciliation SA, Flinders University’s Associate Professor Simone Ulalka Tur – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Uncle Richard Fejo – Senior Elder on campus in Darwin.

Plaza Screen, 12pm

Tuesday 30 May

Art Workshop by Flinders Student Mya and live music by Katie Aspel

Join us for an art workshop with Flinders student and artist Mya, a Ballardong-Noongar artist from Western Australia, currently living in SA and studying Archaeology at Flinders University.

Ground Floor, Student Hub, Bedford Park campus, 11am-2pm.

Keynote screening: Dr Jennifer Caruso – The Stolen Generation keynote presentation

Multimedia Lounge, Ground Floor, Student Hub, 12.30pm.

Plaza screening: Indigenous Strategy Workshop

Recording of a workshop presented by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Simone Tur, Louise Mitchell, Manager Yungkurrinthi, Anna Schkabaryn, RAP Project Officer and Cindy D’Angelo, Indigenous Employment Coordinator (Corporate Services).

Plaza Screen, 12pm

Wednesday 31 May

Free donuts, live music and art activity

Join Yungkurrinthi Staff and Students for free First Nations-coloured donuts, free socially-conscious bush tucker-flavoured Yaru water, an art activity and live music. You can show off your artistic flair in the free painting workshop, while having some fun and learning while you paint.

Artist and Flinders student Mya will be on hand to share with participants her knowledge of Aboriginal art, symbols and designs, and provide guidance on how to paint your own personal story in the style of First Nations art.

Ground Floor, Student Hub, Bedford Park campus, noon-1pm.
Donuts will also be available at Sturt and Tonsley campuses, kindly provided by FUSA.

Truth-Telling: Apology Day 2023 Commemoration Video

Reconciliation SA has documented on film the National Apology to the Stolen Generation, taking a personal look at its impact on local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community members in South Australia and the ongoing importance of the nationally commemorated Sorry Day.

Multimedia Lounge, Ground Floor, Student Hub, 12.30pm.

Plaza screening: National Indigenous Television (NITV)

Plaza Screen, 12pm

Thursday 1 June

Colebrook Reconciliation Park Tour

Flinders University Students are invited to join FUSA for a free tour of the Colebrook Reconciliation Park in Eden Hills as part of National Reconciliation Week. Colebrook Reconciliation Park is where the Colebrook home once stood and is now a memorial for Aboriginal children of the Stolen Generation and their families.

You will hear from members of the Blackwood Reconciliation Group and learn about the history of Colebrook and the meaning of the park. Visit the Fountain of Tears and the Grieving Mother statues sculpted by Silvio Apponyi, to remember Aboriginal children of the Stolen Generation.

FUSA will provide transport options to the location, although guests can also organise their own transport. Register here.

Colebrook Reconciliation Park, Shepherds Hill Rd, Karinya Reserve, Eden Hills, 10.30am-noon.

Plaza screening: FEARLESS approach to Reconciliation Workshop

Recording of a workshop presented by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Simone Tur and Flinders RAP Awardees

Plaza Screen, 12pm

Friday 2 June

2023-2025 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Launch

We invite you to walk with us, so that reconciliation becomes our way as a University. The launch of Flinders University’s second INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) captures our vision to recognise and embrace two-way exchange, that inspires generosity of spirit, truth telling and a shared path, to more deeply embed reconciliation into the actions of our University community. Grounded in the concepts of togetherness, reciprocity and respect, we hope you can lend your support to this important event that coincides with 2023 Reconciliation Week. Register here to attend – and for staff and students based at Flinders’ other sites, join the online event here.

Plaza Lawns, Bedford Park, 11am, followed by light refreshments.