| What is the People’s Reconciliation Movement? |
“Reconciliation is a people's movement. It represents the hopes and aspirations of many Australians who desire justice and equity for Indigenous people in this country.”
During the 1990s, different communities across the country were inspired to organise activities and events to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together. As more individuals became involved, this groundswell of support became known as the People’s Reconciliation Movement. The People’s Movement shared CAR’s vision for “A united Australia which respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.” The People’s Reconciliation Movement continued after CAR ceased operations in 2001, and continues today to ensure reconciliation stays on the agenda.
One of the key roles of the Council is to provide support to those working at the local or regional level to advance reconciliation. NSW based volunteer community groups whose primary aim is reconciliation can register to become a Reconciliation Group which is part of the Council's network.
The network of these groups is often also called the People's Movement for Reconciliation. Networks exist in each state and territory.
There are currently approximately 60 Reconciliation Groups in NSW, the majority of which are based in regional and remote NSW. Some Reconciliation Groups in the NSW network have only a few members and some have several hundred. Registered groups are classified as either:
Examples of Reconciliation Groups include church groups, community committees attached to local councils, incorporated not-for-profit organisation and elders groups.
| How Can I Get Involved? |
During Sorry Day (26th May), Reconciliation Week (27th May until 3rd June) and NAIDOC Week (2nd to 9th July) over 100 events are held across NSW involving Reconciliation Groups. To find out about events in your area, CLICK HERE.
| Join a Local Reconciliation Group |
You can get in touch with the Reconciliation Groups in your region by downloading the Reconciliation Group Contact List or by visiting the webpage of one of your locally based Reconciliation Groups, listed above.
Community groups can also register to become part of the Reconciliation Group network. It does not cost anything to register. By registering groups gain access to a range of benefits including the Council's Small Grants program, public liability insurance for events and free subscription to the Council's newsletter. Reconciliation Groups make up the voting membership of the Council, and each year delegates from the groups elect the Council's Board at the Annual Reconciliation Conference. Groups which register with the Council commit to act consistently with the Council's aims, but otherwise remain independent and responsible for managing their own affairs.
For information about registering and a copy of the Reconciliation Group Registration Form click HERE.
| Start a Local Reconciliation Group |
How to start a Local
Reconciliation Group
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR)
A Local Reconciliation Group (LRG) is a number of people who have formed into a
group to support the reconciliation process and advance it within their area.
Hundreds of LRGs have been formed throughout Australia in recent times. Some
groups consist of a handful of people while others have hundreds of active
members. This page lists initial steps towards forming an LRG.
View the web resource at AustLII's website
Local Reconciliation Group Toolkit
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR)
The Toolkit contains information to help
individuals and groups at various stages of involvement with reconciliation. It
will assist people who want to start a local reconciliation group or sustain or
grow an existing group. It may also be useful to people generally interested in
reconciliation or those working for reconciliation in educational institutions,
community organisations, faith groups, government or business. It will provide
some context for those who have not been part of a Local Reconciliation Group
before, including information about what local groups do and their history. It
will help groups to plan what they want to do, manage themselves, fundraise,
make the most of their strengths, build links with other groups, work with the
media, have fun and make a difference.
Download the toolkit as a PDF (180KB)
If you are interested in starting your a Reconciliation Group in your local area please contact us.
Individuals can also offer their support for reconciliation activities by becoming a NSW Supporter of Reconciliation. For more information visit the Become a Supporter webpage.