At Griffith, we recognise that reconciliation is everybody’s business
Griffith’s Reconciliation Statement acknowledges that reconciliation is a shared process where every student and staff member have a role to play in effecting positive change in building a better, more inclusive Australia. We hold ourselves accountable to the belief that reconciliation is everybody’s business.
National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Share #NRW2025
#NRW2025 has resources for you to use and share, such as social media assets, logos, backgrounds and email signatures.
Bringing Now to Next
The theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
In the #NRW2025 theme artwork, native plants − known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together, honoring the resilience and ongoing flourishing of Indigenous cultures.
As we take these steps together in the spirit of reconciliation being everybody’s business, we encourage the Griffith University community to actively contribute by organising their own meaningful events and actions that embody this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme—Bringing Now to Next.
Attend a Griffith National Reconciliation Week event
Indigenous Flourishing - a panel discussion
For National Sorry Day— a day Australia remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, now known as "The Stolen Generations"— the university will host a panel discussion on the topic of Indigenous Flourishing, presented by Griffith experts.
When: Monday 26 May, 9.30-11am
Where: Central Theatres (N18) Theatre 2, Brisbane South (Nathan) or join the live stream (live stream from 9.30-10.30am)
More information: Register online to secure your seat and catered morning tea, or to access the live stream link
Sustainability through a First Peoples perspective
Griffith Sustainability is excited to present the second dynamic instalment of its newly relaunched webinar series Green Bites.
In this special National Reconciliation Week edition, the second session aligns with this year’s theme: Bridging Now to Next and will feature Griffith’s Tina O'Keefe.
This thought-provoking webinar will explore sustainability through a First Peoples Perspective: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have different sustainability-related understandings and connections to Country than Western understandings of land use and sustainability. How can we embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges into a sustainability narrative that creates a holistic approach to environmental stewardship?
Join us as we explore sustainability through a First Peoples Perspective and deepen your understanding of how sustainability connects with reconciliation, and to reflect on Griffith's role—and our shared responsibility—in fostering equity, respect and environmental stewardship.
When: Monday 19 May, 12 to 12.45pm
Register: Join us for this online event
Come along and participate in a one-and-a-half-hour workshop with Project Officer for the Reconciliation Statement Tina O’Keefe and Applied Linguist and Lecturer in Learning Futures Dr Kelly Shoecraft. Together, they will explore Griffith’s newly updated Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Terminology.
Bring your coffee/lunch and join them for an engaging discussion on why this guide is an important resource for all Griffith staff and students. They’ll discuss why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language revitalisation matters for all Australians and examine language as identity and culture. They will also cover key terms and concepts from the guide that will help you acknowledge and refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples respectfully when speaking and writing.
Date: Wednesday 28 May, noon-1.30pm
Register: Visit the Indigenous Cultural Competency webpage to learn more about registering for this workshop.
Please email staffdevelopment@griffith.edu.au if you have any questions or need assistance enrolling.
Share your NRW Event
Organise a meaningful event and help bring National Reconciliation Week to life.
- Grow your knowledge and understanding by enrolling in a Griffith University Indigenous Cultural Competency workshop and the Weaving Indigenous Knowledges at Griffith Symposium on 20 May.
- Design your own meaningful Acknowledgement of Country by learning about the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands upon which you live, work and play.
- Learn some local First Peoples language and use it in your everyday life.
- Discuss systemic barriers to First Peoples students at Griffith in your teams and act upon any recommendations.
- Read and watch First Peoples stories, books, literature, television series and movies. Expand your knowledge by joining or hosting a Reconciliation Book or Film Club session during NRW.
- Check out the NRW events calendar and attend a local event, gathering, exhibition or First Peoples tour or experience.
- Register your choir or group to participate in Voices for Reconciliation, singing the iconic Australian anthem Solid Rock written by Shane Howard.
Need some inspiration for your NRW event? Read Reconciliation Australia's guide to NRW events.
Reconciliation is everybody’s business: what can we do every day?
Reconciliation is everybody’s business, everyday. It is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
Here are some things you can do to work toward reconciliation everyday:
- Call out racism when you hear or see it.
- When talking about the history or the story of Australia, always include the participation and presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Challenge the colonial perspectives on history.
- Investigate the Indigenous names for Australian cities and use them in your writing, and when posting letters and parcels.
- Know whose Country you live and work on and the difference between an Acknowledgement of Country and a Welcome to Country.
- Adapt teaching practices and assessments to embed Indigenous content and perspectives.
- Learn about First Peoples cultures using the principles of truth telling and historical accuracy. Watch NITV, SBS, or ABC—some great programs to start with are The Australian Wars, The First Inventors, First Weapons.
- Use Supply Nation and Black Business Finder directories to search for verified First Peoples businesses.
- Support music or podcasts from Indigenous artists on platforms such as IndigiTube.
Reconciliation Statement
In May 2022, Griffith launched its Reconciliation Statement — a public declaration of our commitment to promoting an environment valuing the cultures, knowledges and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National Sorry Day 2024
Check out last year's Sorry Day panel event "Truth-telling, now more than ever" to hear why truth-telling and healing are such important steps towards true reconciliation in Australia.
Contact us
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous), Griffith University, Logan, University Drive, Meadowbrook QLD, 4131