Reconciliation
Acknowledgement of Country
ACT Venturers would like to acknowledge that we are grateful to be meeting today on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. In the spirit of reconciliation, we also remember that we have a duty to honour, respect and care for the lands of our First Nations people, and continue our journey to learn the stories, traditions, cultures and hopes. We also acknowledge any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members who are part of Scouts ACT today.
Reconciliation Week 2024
Reconciliation Week 2021 runs from 27 May - 3 June 2024. The ACT Venturer Team and BVC Executive recommend that you incorporate some elements into your weekly program.
BVC is looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Venturers to help guide us on our Reconciliation journey.
Ideas for your program NRW 2024
This page includes the following ways in which you might include Reconciliation Week in your program this week.
Participate in Canberra National Reconciliation Week events.
Listen to, and discuss the Statement from the Heart and learn about the significance of reconciliation.
Include elements of Reconciliation in your reflection including the importance of 'Closing the Gap'.
Read and discuss ACT Branch Venturer Councils proposals for ACT Branch to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.
Explore resources to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
- Reconciliation day events
Canberra Reconciliation day- 27th May 2024
2. Learn about reconciliation
The Statement from the Heart
Following the National Constitutional Convention in 2017 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait attendees combined to release a "Statement from the Heart". The proposal for a voice in parliament was rejected but it proposes more than that.
Read about it here:
https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement
Or you can listen to it being read on Midnight Oils YouTube Channel.
Reconciliation Australia
Reconciliation is more than just a word. Reconciliation Australia works with government and other organisations to establish processes and actions that might bring about reconciliation.
You can visit their website here
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/
3. Reflections
Including Reconciliation in your reflection
Reconciliation Week 2024 provides an opportunity for you to include something relevant and impactful in your program. Consider using some of the resources available through Closing the Gap to inform a reflection.
Closing the gap
Closing the Gap provides data on the gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians. Some of the information in shocking, and tells the stark truth about indirect discrimination and the impact of privilege or lack of privilege in Australia.
https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/data
You can read the 2020 Report here:
https://ctgreport.niaa.gov.au/sites/default/files/pdf/closing-the-gap-report-2020.pdf
4. A Reconciliation Action Plan
A Reconciliation Action Plan
BVC has written a letter to the Chief Commissioner requesting that Scouts ACT develop and implement a Reconciliation Action Plan in cooperation with Reconciliation Australia.
BVC developed a plan in 2016 and believe that there would be greater effect if the ACT Branch was to develop a plan. A Reconciliation Action Plan would align with current policies to build a more diverse Scouting community.
A letter has been sent to Rick Goode, the ACT Branch Chief Commissioner, and can be viewed here.
BVC Support
BVC is committed to supporting any action taken by ACT Branch and will ensure any responses or requests for consultation are available for you here.
5. Learn about history and culture
History and Culture
An opportunity exists to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and heritage.
Resources
This is a small fraction of the resources available.