From 27 May to 3 June, Australia observed National Reconciliation Week. These dates mark significant historical events, including the anniversary of the 1967 referendum on 27 May and Mabo Day on 3 June. This year’s theme was Bridging Now to Next, which Reconciliation Australia says “calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us” (Reconciliation Australia, 2025).
Reconciliation Week presents many opportunities – to take time to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, to learn something new, and to reflect on the meaning of reconciliation, and what kinds of contributions we can all make to realising it.
While Reconciliation Week offers a chance for us to come together and discuss these topics, any time is a good time to broaden your own perspective and learn more by engaging with content created by Indigenous Australians. This post contains a small selection of resources suitable for staff and students.
Please note: some of the links listed below contain content that could be distressing – remember to check resources for content warnings. Indigenous readers are warned that the content, including linked content, may contain images, video and names of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Truth telling: Reconciliation Week 2025 panel
The code of silence has lasted far too long and it’s time to break that silence. I genuinely believe that non-Indigenous Australians need to do this work, more than we do, because we know our history… We were never afforded the luxury of ignorance about this history, and I think it’s time for non-Indigenous Australians to catch up because we’ve been waiting for them down the track to come up and meet us.
Lorena Allam
If you missed it, I highly recommend watching the UTS Truth telling panel, part of a program of events held this year to mark Reconciliation Week. Moderated by Professor Robynne Quiggin AO, the panel brought together Lorena Allam, Kate Grenville, Professor Lindon Coombes and Dr Mariko Smith to discuss the power of truth-telling for improved awareness, understanding and community connection. The full video and transcript is available at this link, along with more information about the panellists and additional resources.
The 2023-2024 Call It Out Report
While racism remains an imposing adversary, there is reason for hope. And this hope often comes from the darkest moments.
Professor Lindon Coombes
Call It Out is an online register developed to record acts of racism and discrimination experienced by Indigenous Australian peoples. The project is a collaboration between the Jumbunna Institute for Education and Research and the National Justice Project.
The 2023-2024 report “provides the opportunity to identify patterns of racism at institutional and structural levels, including to inform evidence-based advocacy and campaigning initiatives that proactively strive towards eliminating racism and discrimination towards First Nations peoples in this country” (Call It Out Report, page 7). You can read the Call It Out report by clicking on this link.
The UTS IGA Communication Guide and Glossary
The UTS Indigenous Graduate Attribute is a core part of the learning and teaching journey for both staff and students. The UTS IGA Communication Guide and Glossary, developed by the UTS Indigenous Teaching and Learning Team (ITLT), provide a simple and effective way to ensure you are following best practice in your subject/s.
Speaking Out on ABC
Speaking Out with Larissa Behrendt is a radio show on ABC that reports on politics, arts and culture with a range of Indigenous perspectives. Speaking Out airs on ABC Radio National on Fridays at 2pm (repeated Sunday 2am) and on ABC Local Radio on Sundays at 9pm, or you can listen to episodes on the ABC website, and through the ABC Listen app.
IndigenousX
IndigenousX is a 100% Indigenous owned and operated media organisation. On the IndigenousX website, you’ll find original content written by Indigenous Australian authors, along with podcasts and more. IndigenousX also offers training and consultation services.
Living Black on SBS NITV
NITV (National Indigenous Television) is, in general, an excellent resource for staying up to date with Indigenous news and current affairs. The content is free to access and ranges from news media to entertainment and sport. If you’re not sure where to start, try an episode of Living Black – Australia’s premier Indigenous current affairs program. It provides timely, intelligent and comprehensive coverage of the issues affecting Indigenous Australians.
Find out more
As mentioned, this is just a small selection of available resources. Keep an eye out for resources in your discipline from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content creators, and keep listening and learning.