This week is an ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and reflect on shared histories, contributions and achievements. It is held annually and is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Preceded by National Sorry Day on 26 May, National Reconciliation Week is framed by two key events in Australia’s history, which provide strong symbols for reconciliation:

27 May 1967 – the referendum date when more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to give the government power to make laws for Indigenous people and recognise them in the census.
3 June 1992 – the historic Mabo decision