National Reconciliation Week is of the utmost importance to ACA and our members. Being celebrated on 27 May – 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is a wonderful opportunity for ACA to reflect upon its progress and efforts to contribute and achieve reconciliation in our local communities and chiropractic profession. Not to mention, National Reconciliation Week is also a perfect time for ACA and its members to learn more about the shared histories, cultures, and achievements of our first nations people.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week for 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives. This is incredibly important as it reminds us that reconciliation is the responsibility of all Australians to use their power, words, and hearts to make a just and equitable Australia for our current and future First Nation’s people.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These two dates are inextricably important as they reflect two historical milestones in our reconciliation journey. These are the successful 1967 referendum on 27 May 1967 and the High Court Mabo decision on 3 June 1992.
The 1967 referendum saw over 90% of Australians vote to amend the constitution to include Indigenous people in the census and give the federal government the power to make laws for Indigenous peoples. This was a crucial moment in the recognition of Indigenous Australians as full citizens.
The High Court Mabo decision on 3 June, marks the anniversary of the historic High Court Mabo decision in 1992 that recognised the land rights of indigenous Australians.
National Reconciliation Week is important because it provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations in the country and to work towards healing, by acknowledging the past injustices and celebrating the unique cultures and contributions of Indigenous Australians to the country’s identity and heritage.
It is important for chiropractors in Australia to understand and get involved in Reconciliation Week for several reasons:
Acknowledging the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Health
The history of colonisation has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians. Chiropractors who participate in Reconciliation Week can gain a deeper understanding of this impact and how it continues to affect Indigenous health today. This understanding can help chiropractors to provide more effective care to Indigenous patients and work towards reducing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Building cultural competence
Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for chiropractors to learn about Indigenous cultures, histories, and traditions. By building cultural competence, chiropractors can provide more culturally safe and appropriate care to Indigenous patients. This can lead to better health outcomes, as Indigenous patients may feel more comfortable seeking care and following treatment plans when they feel their cultural needs are being met.
Strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities
Reconciliation Week is a time to build relationships between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians. By participating in Reconciliation Week events, chiropractors can connect with Indigenous communities and organisations, and work together to improve health outcomes. This can lead to increased trust and understanding between chiropractors and Indigenous patients and can help to break down the barriers that prevent Indigenous Australians from accessing healthcare.
Recognising the importance of social determinants of health
Reconciliation Week highlights the impact of historical and ongoing injustices on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians. Chiropractors who participate in Reconciliation Week can gain a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health that impact Indigenous Australians, such as racism, poverty, and access to education and employment. By recognising and addressing these factors, chiropractors can work to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians.
Understanding and getting involved in Reconciliation Week is important for chiropractors in Australia as it can acknowledge the impact of colonisation on Indigenous health, build cultural competence, strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, and recognise the importance of social determinants of health. By working towards reconciliation, chiropractors can play an important role in improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians.
To find out more information about Reconciliation Week and how you can get involved visit www.reconciliation.org.au
Thank you
The progress of the ACA’s Innovate RAP actions have been moving forward with the help of the APPRN Committee and ACA RAP working group since its launch in October 2022. We would like to express our gratitude for your ongoing support of the Association’s RAP, which is crucial to promoting meaningful actions toward reconciliation.
The ARRPN committee members remain in regular contact with multiple organisations to effectively work together The theme for National Reconciliation Week for 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives. This is incredibly important as it reminds us that reconciliation is the responsibility of all Australians to use their power, words, and hearts to make a just and equitable Australia for our current and future First Nation’s people. The ARRPN committee members remain in regular contact with multiple organisations to effectively work together in areas that exhibit commitment and yield tangible results. You are welcome to follow ARRPN on Facebook to stay informed about their latest activities and updates facebook.com/groups/ACAARRPN