To all member clubs of SSNA,
National Reconciliation Week 2021 – 27 May to 3 June:
Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. This year marks 20 years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians, we all have a role to play – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Netball NSW & SSNA recognises its unique position in the NSW sporting landscape, having been the primary team sport of choice for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and girls for decades. SSNA is committed to being an integral part of Australia’s reconciliation journey.
SSNA are planning a range of activities and celebrations to mark 2021 Reconciliation Week. We are hoping all our member clubs will join in the spirit of the occasion, recognizing the importance of this event.
Saturday 29th May at 11.00am @ Bellingara Stadium
Our plan for the day will include:
Welcome to Country by Aunty Deanna Schreiber
Motivational and educational yarn with Aunty Deanna and other SSNA players/members on the importance of Reconciliation Week & Indigenous Round.
Morning tea for all members- players/coaches/ umpires and volunteers who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Opportunity to do some painting for all members with Aunty Deanna.
Colouring Competition for our Net/Set members as Seymour Shaw (to be distributed this Saturday and returned Saturday 29 May for display)
SSNA encourages all players to wear coloured ribbons in hair (black, yellow, red and white)
The History of National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first NRW. In 2000, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation.
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 – 27 May, and
· The High Court Mabo decision – 3 June
NRW is also preceded by National Sorry Day on 26 May each year to commemorate the anniversary of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report which was a National Inquiry into separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families; who are referred to as the “Stolen Generations”. Find out more about National Reconciliation Week #MoreThanAWord #NRW2021
The full Netball NSW statement can be found on the memo attached.
Should you have any additional suggestions for the day, please contact the SSNA Office, Vicki Kerr, Vanessa Smith or myself.
Regards
Karen Salter
President
