Reconciliation is the bringing together of people, for Australia this specifically means the bringing together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This essay will examine some of the strategies used for reconciliation and one of the groups that has been involved in the reconciliation process. It will also examine how Australia will be a better place for the future if reconciliation is achieved.
The need for reconciliation has occurred because Australia, unlike many other colonies settled by the British (e.g. North America, New Zealand) was not accompanied by any treaty or agreement with the existing Indigenous population. This has caused many conflicts in Australia. However, since at least the 1970s there have been campaigns for a formal treaty or agreement to rectify this situation.
A 19th century engraving showing Australian "nativ...
English: Title: Personal photographs of the Hon. C...
Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander C...One of the strategies for reconciliation was in put forward 1991, when the Australian Parliament voted on the issue of the development of a Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation which would be responsible for the process to do with reconciliation in Australia. The vote was unanimously passed and the council was formed. This council aims to eliminate the inequality and disadvantages experienced by Indigenous Australians.
Another strategy towards reconciliation occurred on the 26th of August 1999, the Australian Parliament passed a motion of reconciliation, endorsing a "whole-hearted commitment to the cause of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians as an important national priority for all Australians". On 27th to the 28th of May 2000 the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation presented the Australian government and Australian people with its final proposals for a Document of Reconciliation. This reconciliation document, including the four strategies, were drawn up after extensive consultations between the Council, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the wider Australian community.
The strategies contained...