People from across the Canberra region have gathered to share, learn, discuss, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and Australia's shared history at the start of National Reconciliation Week. The ACT remains the only jurisdiction to commemorate the successful 1967 referendum with a public holiday.
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00:00Emily Tidd couldn't be happier working on this public holiday, with good reason.
00:07I originally grew up in Queensland, and we didn't really celebrate it.
00:12It was a thing, but there wasn't a specific day to celebrate, so I think it's really important
00:18and it's really good that the ACT have our Reconciliation Day and we do get to come and do this.
00:23The weaving workshops are part of a packed program of events at Commonwealth Park.
00:29From musical performances to standing room only panel discussions,
00:34all encouraging participants and visitors to listen, reflect, share and acknowledge.
00:40We can talk to them, we can tell them our Dreamtime stories and explain to them what they're actually doing
00:45and how it was done back in the day with the kids in the past and how they used to do it.
00:52The ACT remains the only jurisdiction to have legislated a public holiday as part of National Reconciliation Week.
00:59But for young Canberrans at least, the path to reconciliation is clear.
01:04I think to recognise our culture, everybody around us.
01:08And acknowledge that past Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been hurt by some Australian's actions.
01:18It's bringing people together, not separating. It's not me, it's we come together to be a we.
01:25Ms Tidd hopes the Territory won't be the first and only for long.
01:29I think that it is very important that in the future they move forward
01:32and all of Australia has that day to mourn our past and what has happened in the past
01:39but then also celebrate our future because it's what this day means as well.
01:43National Reconciliation Week runs until June the 3rd.
01:48For more information visit www.fema.gov.au