27 May 2021 08:26
Reconciliation Week 2021 artwork by Jessica Johnson
RAD Australia joins a National Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday 27 May during National Reconciliation Week
RAD Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and Traditional Owners of the Land on which we live, learn, work and dance.
Today we support the campaign by Reconciliation Australia at the start of National Reconciliation Week calling all Australians to take part in a National Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday 27 May at 9am AEST on social media.
Why are we taking part in this campaign?
RAD Australia is currently in the early stages of preparing our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan – a structured process supported by a framework provided by Reconciliation Australia. Taking part in this campaign demonstrates our commitment to this process.
What is RAD Australia’s Reconciliation Vision?
Royal Academy of Dance Australia’s vision for reconciliation is an Australia that embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, and a national culture that represents equality and equity, historical acceptance of our shared history and encourages positive race relations. In the context of our organisation, this represents our commitment to support reconciliation within our sphere of influence. We aim to celebrate the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and embrace the rich heritage and expression of song, dance and storytelling to build respectful and meaningful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and all other Australians.
How will we be supporting Reconciliation moving forwards?
RAD Australia recognises that reconciliation is a journey for all Australians and as an organisation, we have a collective role to play in building and encouraging relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. We understand that no matter where we are across this nation, we are on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands and pledge to acknowledge this across our day to day communications and at our events.
How can I find out more?
We will be sharing more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan as we work through the framework. In the meantime, if you would like to find out more or share your thoughts on this process please contact Shelley Yacopetti, Chair of the RAD Australia Reconciliation Working Group on syacopetti@rad.org.au