23 National Reconciliation Week Activities

By: Grace He | Updated: May 11, 2023

You found our list of the best National Reconciliation Week activities.

National Reconciliation Week activities are ideas that promote nationwide harmony by teaching Australia’s history, achievements, and diverse cultures. Examples include hosting a potluck and advocating for national reconciliation through social media. The purpose of these activities is to foster a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history.

These examples are similar to Hispanic Heritage Month activities, Asian Pacific Heritage Month activities, Arab American Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Day ideas. These activities can create a positive work environment and improve the company culture.

This list includes:

National Reconciliation Week activities for adults
National Reconciliation Week activities for students
National Reconciliation Week events
National Reconciliation Week ideas for work

Let’s get started!

List of National Reconciliation Week activities

Each year, Australians recognize National Reconciliation Week to foster relationships between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-native individuals. From hosting traditional Aboriginal games to local cultural tours, here is a list of the best activities for commemorating National Reconciliation Week.

1. Donate to Nonprofit Organizations

Donations to nonprofit organizations top the list of National Reconciliation Week activities for schools or businesses. First, you will need to identify organizations to support. It is important to be open to taking recommendations from your team. One way to donate is by matching employees’ donations. Alternatively, you could host a donation drive in the school, online, or within your city.

Here are some examples of great nonprofits:

These organizations support Aboriginal communities, and donations will go a long way in fostering equity and reconciling the country.

Here are more charity team building ideas.

2. Host a Potluck

Food plays a vital role in uniting diverse cultures. As such, holding a potluck is a fantastic choice for National Reconciliation Week events. You could host a company-wide breakfast or lunch event. Consider requesting that all participants bring foods or fruits distinctive to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Individuals can either bring meals they enjoy or order foods they want to learn how to make. Some great food ideas are taro, desert quandong, dampers, and shellfish. If you have a remote team, then consider hosting a virtual potluck. Participants could state the reasons behind their choice of food options. Hosting a potluck honors the influence of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait people on the culinary scene.

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3. Hold a Team Lunch Catered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Restaurants

Hosting a team lunch catered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander restaurants or eateries is a great way to reconcile and support their businesses. Your team will enjoy authentic cuisines as they learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Also, consider holding lunch and learn sessions. These sessions will bring teams together as they learn the importance of reconciliation measures for the country.

Check out this ultimate guide to hosting lunch and learns.

4. Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Speakers

One of the best ways to foster understanding of the relevance of National Reconciliation Week is by inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Speakers. Through first-hand stories, participants will learn how to navigate biased beliefs about these communities. Encourage speakers to talk about their personal experiences and challenges their communities experience. Inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers is a clever way to teach employees how to be better allies and advocate for the rights of every individual.

5. Host Traditional Aboriginal Games

Even as you promote reconciliation, consider creating a fun environment by hosting traditional games. You could invite an Aboriginal native to lead players through the games. These games are now creatively adapted for modern play, mainly for safety reasons. For instance, players will use tennis balls in place of spears.

Here are some examples of traditional games:

Traditional Aboriginal games will bring players together and foster connections between urban Indigenous youth and their culture. These games are a clever pick of National Reconciliation Week activities for students to aid retention.

Here are more interactive games for students.

6. Take Local Cultural Tours

Rather than teaching Australian history through theory, consider hosting local tours. For example, you could tour landmarks and sacred sites significant to the history of the Aboriginal communities.

Here are some great places for a cultural tour:

Uluru
Kakadu National Park
The Kimberley
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Birrarung Marr
Devil’s Pool
South Australian Museum

We encourage schools looking for educational and fun National Reconciliation Week activities for students to consider local cultural tours. Additionally, hiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders guides will promote reconciliation and allow students to learn more.

7. Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent National Reconciliation Week activity. Participants can offer their talents, skills, and time to Aboriginal communities or nonprofit organizations. For instance, participants can volunteer at the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation Trust, an organization that supports local education and health programs. Other notable organizations are the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency and the Gunawirra.

Check out North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, Gunawirra, and Aboriginal Benefits Foundation Trust.

Here are group volunteer ideas.

8. Start a Diversity Program

Starting a diversity program is a top option for businesses searching for long-term National Reconciliation Week activities for adults. Organizations can use diversity programs to identify and address bias in the recruitment stages, value individual skills, and provide flexible work options. A diversity program creates an avenue for businesses to ensure equality in the workplace. Diversity programs will also create equal employment opportunities for the Aboriginal and Torres Islander communities. With effective diversity programs, businesses will improve cultural awareness, build a positive reputation, and boost creativity and productivity.

For inspiration, check out these diversity program ideas.

9. Advocate for National Reconciliation Through Social Media

Advocating for togetherness through social media is one of the most effective National Reconciliation Week activities for adults. This action will reach beyond your clientele and make a significant impact.

Ideas:

Offer film and book recommendations reinforcing the importance of national reconciliation.
Use reconciliation hashtags across social media channels.
Share pictures of teams holding a sign showcasing a national reconciliation message.

Advocating for National Reconciliation through social media will promote your cause and foster connections with like-minded individuals and organizations.

10. Offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-Inspired Gift Baskets

If you want to enchant individuals, then consider commemorating National Reconciliation Week with gift baskets. This idea is a great way to support and honor the cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Here are some ideas to get your gift baskets started:

Be sure to purchase gifts from Aboriginal business owners as opposed to non-Aboriginal enterprises. Also, consider the cultural significance and whether the items are appropriate for gifting.

Check out more gift basket ideas.

11. Films

Films are a fantastic choice of National Reconciliation Week ideas for work. Through storytelling and real-life experiences, participants will learn more about society’s history, culture, and inequality. Consider choosing films highlighting vital and unforgettable stories from Indigenous Australians.

Here are some movies you could watch:

In My Blood It Runs
The Tracker
Ten Canoes
Charlie’s Country
Gurrumul
High Ground
Satellite Boy
The Australian Dream

These films provide an opportunity to recognize Indigenous rights and make efforts to reunite communities. Be sure to follow up with a discussion to promote learning and pave the way for open discussions.

Here are workplace movie ideas.

12. Share Emails with Participants

If you are looking for cost-friendly and effective National Reconciliation Week ideas for work, then consider sharing emails with participants. You could start by encouraging team members to update their email signatures with national reconciliation signage. A great idea is sharing different topics throughout the week and encouraging stakeholders to share their thoughts or discuss them with their peers. For instance, you could talk about the significance of the Bridge Walks for Reconciliation event dating back to 2000. This idea will educate individuals and provide deeper perspectives into the history and culture of the Aboriginal communities.

13. Organize Family History Storytelling Sessions

To encourage openness about diverse communities and practices, consider the family histories storytelling sessions. As the leader, you could explain where you come from and uncommon practices in your communities. Then, let participants share their origins, taking them back to their ancestors. These sessions are among the best National Reconciliation Week events to eliminate stereotypes. This activity fosters connections between individuals with different origins and practices.

14. Use Aboriginal Language

Languages are powerful tools for fostering belonging and inclusion. Thus, using Aboriginal terms is a simple national reconciliation activity participants will enjoy. For instance, consider using simple local Aboriginal words for greetings. You could also encourage participants to teach each other Aboriginal terms and their meanings. Aboriginal words are a valuable part of the country’s rich heritage to bring communities together.

15. Listen to Music by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Listening to Aboriginal music is a fantastic way to entertain participants and promote cohesion. You can create a playlist and invite individuals to add their favorite Aboriginal tunes or songs with pivotal lessons.

Here are some examples of Aboriginal music:

“Way keriba ged” (This is our island) by John Bon
“Keyp Yok Adud Ged” (Cape York is a bad place) by John Bon
“Took the Children Away” by Arche Roach
“Bolu” by Saltwater Band
“Under the Milky Way” by Jimmy Little

To go the extra mile, consider hosting traditional-themed jam sessions. Participants can try to make beats with traditional equipment like clapping sticks.

16. Learn Aboriginal Dances

Common among groups performing similar or identical motions, Aboriginal dance sessions are an excellent choice for National Reconciliation Week activities. You can host a dance session where participants learn contemporary and traditional moves. Consider inviting a local Aboriginal dancer to lead teams in the energetic body movements.

Here are some examples of traditional dances:

The Cassowary Dance: Bundara
Sugar Bag: Muguy
The Silent Snake: Pamagirri
Shake-a-leg: Warran Jara

Most of the Aboriginal dances feature the movement of nature, animals, and life activities. Thus, individuals will have a new experience promoting national reconciliation.

17. Play Trivia

A trivia session is a top choice of National Reconciliation Week ideas. During trivia, participants will learn more about the history of Australia in a relaxed setting. First, split participants into different teams. Then, let teams have a healthy competition, and reward the group that gets the most questions right.

Here are some examples of trivia questions:

What year did National Reconciliation Week begin?
- Answer: 1993
Which year did Australia amend the constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the census?
- Answer: 1967
Which year did Australia appoint the first Minister of Aboriginal Affairs?
- Answer: 1981
What percentage of people voted “Yes” to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census?
- Answer: Over 90%
What is the 2023 theme for National Reconciliation Week?
- Answer: Be a Voice for Generations
Which was the pioneer territory or state to create a public holiday in recognition of Reconciliation Day?
- Answer: Australian Capital Territory
Who was the first prime minister to issue an apology to the Indigenous Australians for stolen generations, and in which year?
- Answer: Kevin Rudd, 2008

The trivia sessions are a fun way to teach the country’s history and celebrate diverse cultures. To make the trivia sessions interesting, consider giving players a list of multiple choice answers for each question.

Here are more team trivia games.

18. Hold a Welcome to Country Ceremony

A welcome to country ceremony is an event where native elders or select spokespersons welcome individuals to the nation. For this ceremony, you will invite Aboriginal or Torres Islander people to lead the ceremony. The natives could start with speeches or performances like traditional dances or songs. Consider pairing the ceremony with varieties of native food and drinks. Participants will have fun, learn Australian history, and promote national reconciliation.

19. Commission Aboriginal Artwork

One of the best National Reconciliation Week activities for schools and organizations is commissioning an Aboriginal or Torres Islander artwork. The art dates back as far as 60,000 years and provides insights into the Aboriginal culture. Some common Aboriginal styles you can choose from are abstract painting, dot painting, and sand and rock engraving. Since native art conveys information through symbols and icons, consider inviting renowned artists to explain the meaning of the art. This activity will help participants understand native art styles and symbols. Commissioning Aboriginal artwork will also promote belonging for Native Australians.

20. Write a Reconciliation-Themed Piece

Writing a piece on national reconciliation is a fantastic idea for students to bring students together and teach more about national reconciliation. Some interesting topics include the importance of reconciliation, how to foster national harmony, and local advocacy issues. You can even consider publishing the works in local or international newspapers, boosting your school’s or organization’s image.

21. Build a Reconciliation Wall

If you want to foster reconciliation all year round, then consider the reconciliation wall idea. For this activity, you will designate one space within your office or school. Then, let participants post items, artwork, or writing fostering national reconciliation. For instance, one participant could write a story about a native citizen they admire or a poem depicting the importance of national reconciliation. You can then have a session where participants explain the significance of the displays.

22. Do Scavenger Hunts

If you are looking for National Reconciliation Week event ideas, then scavenger hunts are a great bet. The simple activity equips individuals with diverse knowledge about the country’s history and native communities. First, start by hiding select objects, then give individuals limited time to find the objects.

For instance, participants could find Aboriginal:

Musical instruments
Clothing
Food

Be sure to offer enticing rewards to the winning groups.

Here are scavenger hunt ideas.

23. Plant Indigenous Trees

Planting native trees is a great way to foster national reconciliation and promote environmental conservation. You could work with your local government or nonprofit organizations and identify the best native trees for specific regions. Then, host a company-wide tree planting day. You could also provide seeds and encourage participants to plant vegetation in their backyards. Individuals will also learn the significance of native trees in sectors such as health and wellness.

Conclusion

Dating back to 1993, National Reconciliation Week plays a critical role in uniting Australians. Individuals focus on activities promoting understanding, respect, and reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous citizens. These activities acknowledge past wrongs and celebrate the contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples. As such, National Reconciliation Week activities provide a powerful platform for building bridges between communities and working toward a future based on mutual respect and understanding.

Next, check out our list of spirit week ideas for work, Black History Month activities, diversity and inclusion activities, and Indigenous Heritage Month quotes.

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FAQ: National Reconciliation Week activities

Here are answers to common questions about National Reconciliation Week activities.

What are National Reconciliation Week activities?

National Reconciliation Week activities are ideas Australians use to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ shared histories, cultures, and achievements and unite the nation. Australians observe National Reconciliation Week from May 27th to June 3rd.

What are the best National Reconciliation Week activities?

National Reconciliation Week activities provide an avenue to promote healing, social justice, and equity for Indigenous peoples and create an inclusive and harmonious Australia for all. While the themes differ yearly, families, communities, organizations, businesses, and schools can participate in national reconciliation. We advise individuals to honor reconciliation activities often and pursue daily actions to foster fairness and equality for all. Some of the best National Reconciliation Week activities include donations to nonprofit organizations, Aboriginal dances, and commissioning Aboriginal artwork.

What is the importance of National Reconciliation Week?

National Reconciliation Week plays an integral role in uniting Australians and creating a strong, just, and fair nation.

Here is a list of the importance of National Reconciliation Week:

Acknowledge and raise awareness of the history of Australia’s First Nations peoples: National Reconciliation Week activities aims to increase awareness and understanding of the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The awareness includes acknowledging the impact of colonization, dispossession of land, and forced removal of children from their families.
Promote reconciliation: National Reconciliation Week activities promote reconciliation and healing between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Reconciliation involves building respectful relationships between different cultures and working toward a harmonious future.
Foster understanding and respect: National Reconciliation Week activities allow individuals and communities to learn about the cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. As a result, non-Indigenous Australians appreciate the diversity of the nation’s cultural heritage and build greater respect for the rights and perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: National Reconciliation Week activities provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australian society. These achievements include cultural, social, economic, and political contributions.
Work toward social justice: National Reconciliation Week activities promote social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. For instance, these activities address systemic issues such as poverty, health disparities, and discrimination. Individuals also advocate for policies and practices that promote greater equality and respect for Indigenous rights.
Build bridges between communities: National Reconciliation Week activities encourage individuals from different communities to come together, share their experiences, and foster understanding and respect. These activities promote dialogue and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, creating cross-cultural learning and exchange opportunities.
Promote healing and well-being: National Reconciliation Week activities promote healing for all Australians, particularly the intergenerational trauma and discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

By promoting national reconciliation, Australia creates safe and inclusive spaces for individuals and communities to connect, reflect, and heal.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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