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About

Reconciliation SA is a members-based, not-for-profit organisation and is the premiere body for reconciliation in South Australia.

Recognition. Respect. Change.

We champion a reconciled and just South Australian society free from racism through education, information, conversation and advocacy.

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Our Vision

“We strive for a reconciled and just South Australia. We believe at the heart of reconciliation is respectful relationships and understanding between First Nations peoples and the broader community. We must be bold, brave and courageous.”
 

Our Purpose

“We champion a safe and inclusive South Australian society free from racism through education, information, conversation and advocacy”
 
 
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Reconciliation SA holds the following values:

 

Courage

The confidence to act in accordance with our beliefs to achieve a reconciled and just South Australia.

Acceptance

Accepting that relationships between First Nations and the broader community have been unjust and the impacts remain today.

Truth

Acting and engaging our community in an open and honest way without trying to hide or disguise anything.

Recognition

Formal understanding and acceptance of the rights of First Nations peoples and acknowledgement of cultural and heritage beliefs.

Rights

Recognising and respecting the inherent value and dignity of all people.

Healing

Acknowledge that the process of grieving and healing enables opportunities for true reconciliation for all people.
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Our Work

Reconciliation SA is a not-for-profit community and member-based organisation. With the support of our board, staff, members, volunteers and students, we work towards a society free from prejudice, discrimination and racism. We strive towards a society that understands, values and actively support the inclusion of First Nations people in all aspects of life within South Australia.

As a committed and dedicated team, we:

  • Aim to abide by cultural protocols
  • Work in partnership and collaboration with communities and strategic partners.
    Are inclusive of the whole of community.
  • Work to empower people through listening and giving voice.
  • Promote social justice.
  • Work to strengthen resilience and capacity.
  • Operate with integrity and are accountable.
  • Embrace systemic change through policy critiquing and advocacy.
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The Five Dimensions of Reconciliation

Institutional Integrity

We seek a State where the principles of reconciliation underpin political, business and community structures.
 
 

Equality and Equity

We seek a State where First Nation rights are upheld, and all First Nation people can participate and equally experience positive social and economic opportunities.
 

Race Relations

We seek a State free of racism where relationships between all Australians are respectful of cultures, rights and experiences.
 

Unity

We seek a that values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of a shared identity.
 

Historical Acceptance

We seek a State where the relationships between all Australians are based on an understanding and acceptance of the wrongs of the past and their impact.
 
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We Seek To Advance Reconciliation By

  • Partnering with like-minded individuals and organisations that are passionate about making change
  • Supporting and advocating for First Nations rights
  • Fighting racism through education and awareness
  • Facilitating networks to share learnings and showcase excellence

We Do This Through

  • Hosting events such as the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast and Reconciliation SA Gala
  • Providing opportunities for reflection and commemoration such as the National Apology Commemorative Film
  • Supporting organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans
  • Facilitating education and anti-racism training
  • Growing and supporting our members work in reconciliation
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Key Results

  • We are known as leaders of education, information, support, and advocacy for the Reconciliation movement.
  • We are known for our events and video productions
  • We demonstrate the positive impact on the advancement of a reconciled South Australia through a focus on the dimensions of reconciliation.
  • We are a sustainable and dynamic organisation with effective governance and viable operations.

Goals

  • Grow the next generation of South Australians committed to an inclusive society free of racism, through the promotion of reconciliation values in local communities.
  • Encourage and leverage the collective efforts of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) partners to grow social inclusion and economic participation.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of the ‘Statement from the Heart’ principles to be included in public policy, governance and organisational practices.
  • Promote Reconciliation through development of local resources on the history of First Nation cultures across South Australia and advocate for practical and symbolic signs of reconciliation in the local community.
  • Build the reconciliation movement in South Australia and develop campaigns that call communities to reconciliation action.
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Outcomes

  • Reconciliation SA facilitates opportunities for safe and inclusive conversation, truth telling and celebration.
  • Communities are supported to accept, respect and value First Nation peoples through the promotion and protection of rights.
  • Multi-sector contribution of organisations committed to reconciliation are harnessed, showcased and leveraged to drive greater opportunities for reconciliation.
  • Develop and strengthen the understanding of First Nation views through awareness, promotion and understanding of the ‘Statement from the Heart’.
  • Local heritage, culture, knowledge, systems and stories are understood, accepted and valued.
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United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

In addition to the above dimensions, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) also underpins our work and provide an additional framework for us to understand the meaning of reconciliation.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007, by a majority of 144 states in favour, 4 votes against (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States) and 11 abstentions.

Since the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly, the four countries voting against have reversed their position and now support the Declaration.

Today the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.

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