University of Queensland marks Reconciliation Week
The University of Queensland has chosen National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) to launch a ‘UQRAP Network’, open to all staff and students, as part of a busy program of campus events and activations.
Professor Fredericks will join UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry to launch the #UQRAP Network tomorrow (Thursday 27 May).
Today, staff and students stood together at St Lucia to commemorate National Sorry Day, forming the word ‘sorry’ and showing support for families impacted by the Stolen Generations.
Students and staff across all campuses and locations will be encouraged to continue their cultural learning journey and engage with Reconciliation initiatives, to ensure a culturally-respectful workplace and study environment.
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said UQ had made good progress in terms of its Reconciliation commitments but there was still a long way to go.
“So we encourage all our students and staff to attend NRW events and take action,” Professor Fredericks said.
“Increased engagement and action by non-Indigenous staff and students in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a key factor in the success of our Reconciliation Action Plan and fits the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week, More than a Word: Reconciliation Takes Action 2021.
“National Reconciliation Week encourages us all to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”
Other NRW highlights include a Murri Trivia evening, a ‘You Can’t Ask That’ discussion, an ‘In Conversation’ about the latest novel from UQ’s Professor Anita Heiss (Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray), and a panel titled ‘Taking Action on Reconciliation at UQ’.
As a lead-up to NRW, on 24 May, there was a Global Leadership Series keynote by UQ alumnus Professor Megan Davis, a member of the Referendum Council which designed a series of dialogues culminating in the creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.
Members of the public are welcome at many of the UQ NRW events, listed via https://life.uq.edu.au/reconciliationweek.