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Schools
Reconciliation is an issue for everyone. We can all work towards reconciliation and share in the rewards of a rich multicultural society and a united vision for the future.
Teachers and students
- Research the local area around your school to learn about the Traditional Owners, language groups, important events and significant places. Contact your local library, historical society, museum or council for information.
- Fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at your school.
- Adopt a policy to recognise the Traditional Owners of the Country at the start of formal functions.
- Invite an Indigenous artist to your school to demonstrate a traditional art or craft - You could learn about fire making, painting, dancing, print making, mask making, basket weaving and more.
- Invite an Elder to your school to tell their story. Consider regularly inviting Indigenous speakers to your school assemblies.
- Hold a reconciliation morning tea, lunch or party offering some traditional bush foods and dishes from other cultures.
- Study a novel or play that addresses issues about Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships. Perform the play.
- Devise your own performance piece about reconciliation.
- Organise a reconciliation concert or performance.
- Organise a talking circle to discuss a future vision for Queensland and Australia.
- Write a poem, story or song about what reconciliation means to you.
- Have a creative writing competition on the subject of reconciliation.
- Create a piece of art or a public mural that reflects what reconciliation means to you.
- Design and make a poster about reconciliation.
- Join a local reconciliation group - contact Reconciliation Queensland for details.
- Design and produce T-shirts that express your school's support of reconciliation.
- Create a reconciliation display in your school library or local library.
- Check out the reconciliation stories and add your own story or event to the Queensland Government Reconciliation website.
- Celebrate events including Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), Mabo Day (3 June), National Aborigines' and Islanders' Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week (2nd week in July). Research the history and meaning behind each of the events - see website links for more information.
- Create a reconciliation garden at your school.
- Start a reconciliation pen pal or e-mail program - write to students from schools in other communities.
To contact Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members you can start by asking Indigenous teachers or teacher aides in your school or your Community Education Counsellor. Alternatively, contact your District Office and ask for the Community Education Counsellor responsible for your District.
