National Reconciliation Week 2022: “Be Brave, Make Change.”
In the spirit of reconciliation, The Pyjama Foundation acknowledges and pays respect to the Turrbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future, and we extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
This week is National Reconciliation Week – a time for Australians to learn about the important histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. National Reconciliation Week occurs every year between May 27th and June 3rd. This year’s theme is Be Brave. Make Change. This is a challenge to every Australian to Be Brave and look at the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
As a community, it is important for us to show our support for Australia’s vibrant Indigenous culture. Of the 1400 children The Pyjama Foundation supports weekly, 35% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Our goal is to create a supportive environment for all children to see themselves and their culture reflected in all our activities.
The Pyjama Foundation was incredibly fortunate to discover the beautiful work of Goreng Goreng artist Rachael Sarra. We connected with her to develop an artwork that reflects our foundation and the families we support. This incredible artwork reflects the child at the centre of our purpose and depicts their past journeys and underlying trauma. It then shows the support, empowerment, relationships and diversity that are so important to supporting them.
You can read more about these individual elements here.
Rachael Sarra has now become an integral member of our First Nations Advisory Council. Together with our other members, Rachael is helping us to develop a stronger support program for indigenous children.
How can you get involved this National Reconciliation Week?
We recognise that reconciliation means taking action. Here are some great ways to kids and teenagers about the important role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold in our community, and their history, stories and practices:
- Learn more: Check out the awesome National Reconciliation Week posters and resources, including Be Brave. Make Change. colouring in pages for kids!
- Support Indigenous businesses: for all our clothing, accessory and home needs we love Clothing the Gaps, Haus of Dizzy, Cockatoo Collins, Kinya Lerrk, and Briar Blooms!
Books that inspire us…
Storytelling is an important part of Aboriginal culture. Stories of Indigenous history, and stories of country, creation and tradition are passed down from generation to generation. Some of the books we love right now from First Nations authors and illustrators are Respect, The Mark of the Wagarl, and ABC Dreaming. For more awesome books click here.
Together this National Reconciliation Week, let’s make an effort to listen, learn and grow our understanding of First Nations culture. We must acknowledge the important role it plays in our communities. Read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan here.
