Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a process, lifelong and transforming of people and communities, of attitudes and practices. From the Latin words for back (re) and bring together (conciliare), reconciliation involves taking and giving counsel in openness and authenticity.

An act of finding common ground, of acknowledging deep intergenerational hurt. An act of healing to bring together that which has been disconnected and wounded – in ourselves, our relationships, our culture, history and nation. It demands of us individually and collectively to create pathways – that foster justice, compassion and acceptance so that what divides and separates us as people can be acknowledged and bridged.

Our Work in Reconciliation

Events & Training

To help us achieve one of our strategic goals of ‘a just and reconciled South Australia,’ we are creating opportunities for local ground up action for reconciliation by providing events and training that expand participants’ knowledge. 

One of these events is our Conversation Series: Acknowledgement of Country. The Conversation Series is our online forum that brings to you people with exemplary experiences and insights in a range of areas.  The Acknowledgement of Country conversation is all about acknowledging the country that you live, learn, work and play on, with a focus on understanding, valuing and delivering an Acknowledge of Country. Shona Reid (Reconciliation SA) and a special guest, Uncle Mickey dive into the importance of acknowledging country, how to acknowledge country in ways that come directly from your own heart, and the role the Acknowledgement plays in building relationships with First Nation peoples. A recording of the conversation is available to everyone below and on our Community Learning Hub.

We lived in a Square house. We picked fruits and vegetables from neatly fenced Square plot. We kept animals in Square paddocks. We sat and ate at a Square table. We sat on Square chairs. I slept in a Square bed. I looked at myself in a Square mirror and did not know who I was.

Circles and Squares by Ali Cobby Eckermann, a Yankunytjatjara woman