The fifth annual Reconciliation Day in Canberra will be celebrated on Monday 30 May 2022 at the National Arboretum Canberra, 10am - 3pm.
Reconciliation Day is part of National Reconciliation Week and is a time for all Canberrans to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievement, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme for Reconciliation Day is: Be Brave, Make Change. Join us for a family friendly event designed to promote conversations and foster a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
WHAT’S ON
From bush tucker demonstrations, arts, crafts and storytelling to live entertainment, stalls and exhibitions there will be a whole host of things to look forward to with a range of free and family-friendly activities on offer throughout the day.
Designed to promote conversation and foster a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, find out more about how you can get involved this Reconciliation Day.
FREE SHUTTLE BUS
A free shuttle service between the City Interchange and the National Arboretum will be available. Check out our public transport FAQ for further details.
If you do chose to drive, traffic control marshals will be onsite to help with the flow of traffic from the Tuggeranong Parkway to the Arboretum.
Event Details
Date: Monday 30 May 2022
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: National Arboretum Canberra
To have all your Reconciliation Day questions answered, read our Frequently Asked Questions
*Please note, the program is subject to change.
DISCOVER
Discover and learn about our Indigenous history and culture with a variety of resources for you to listen to, watch, read and see.
SEA OF HANDS
25 years ago the Sea of Hands first appeared as a powerful statement of solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year we're inviting all Canberrans to participate and making a pledge for reconciliation.
BEHIND THE ARTWORK
Canberran and Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi artist Lynnice Church created the Reconciliation Day artwork for the city’s second Reconciliation Day in 2019.
The painting, titled ‘Reconciliation’, represents the Ngunnawal Tribe of Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding region and the coming together of people on Ngunnawal Country.
HISTORY OF RECONCILIATION DAY
In 2018, the Nation’s capital became the first Australian jurisdiction to dedicate a public holiday to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Reconciliation Day is held on the first Monday on or after the 1967 Referendum anniversary date of 27 May each year and is held during National Reconciliation Week.
Now in its 5th year, Canberra will again come together as a community to collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.