National Reconciliation Week: A Guide to Participating Respectfully

First Nations, News | Posted May 22, 2026

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to go All In – to learn, reflect and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reconciliation is not something that happens in a single week or event. It is an ongoing commitment to building respectful relationships, grounded in learning, listening and taking meaningful action over time. Each of us has a role to play, and progress comes when we stay engaged, remain open to understanding, and contribute in ways that support lasting change.

At OzChild, reconciliation connects directly to our work supporting children, young people and families. It strengthens trust, supports culturally safe practice, and helps children remain connected to culture.

Reconciliation can be strengthened through small, consistent actions of listening, learning and respect.

Whether you are First Nations, a seasoned ally, or just starting to discover more about reconciliation, this handy guide will explore how you can get involved in National Reconciliation Week.

What are some simple ways to get involved?

Learn more about NRW

For a full overview of National Reconciliation Week – including this year’s theme, the history and national resources, visit National Reconciliation Week – Reconciliation Australia

Watch and learn – explore this list of films that will inform, challenge and deepen your understanding about First Nations perspectives and experiences

Reconciliation reading resources

Attend or explore events

Find an event near you via the NRW Events Calendar
Join a local community event or gathering
Organise or take part in a workplace or team activity

Submit or explore events

Reflect

Take a moment to reflect on how reconciliation connects to you and your community
Explore stories, perspectives and lived experiences

Reconciliation Australia truth-telling

Take part in something creative

Learn correct pronunciation of First Nations place names
Join in music or storytelling activities

Voices for Reconciliation choir

Start conversations

Share what you’ve learned with others
Ask respectful questions
Stay open to different perspectives and stay up to date with news, stories and updates on reconciliation in Australia

News, stories, and updates from Reconciliation Australia

Write your own Acknowledgement of Country

Learn about your local area and write your own personalised acknowledgement of Country. You don’t have to follow a script, an authentic Acknowledgement using your own voice and experiences is often the most meaningful.

Acknowledgement of Country READ MORE

Getting Involved Respectfully

No. You don’t need to have all the answers. Participating respectfully starts with openness, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

There’s no single “right” way to take part. You might: • Attend an event during the week • Learn something new and reflect on it • Share insights with your workplace, family or community • Participate in discussions, films or activities • Draft a personal Acknowledgement of Country Every action, no matter how small, contributes to reconciliation.

• Listen first, centre First Nations voices and knowledge • Be respectful, use correct names, language and pronunciation • Stay open, it’s okay not to know everything • Avoid assumptions, experiences and cultures are diverse • Be genuine, take part because it matters, not to tick a box

Reconciliation isn’t limited to a few days on the calendar. It’s something we need to actively live out in our day-to-day lives, work, our decisions and our relationships, every day.

How will you embrace this year’s theme and go All In for reconciliation – this week and moving forward?

As Australia marks National Sorry Day on 26 May, and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, OzChild is reflecting on the enduring impact of the Stolen Generations, the ongoing over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care, and the collective responsibility we all share in creating a different future.

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