Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day Events at JCU

Each year, National Reconciliation Week is held throughout Australia from 27 May to 3 June. National Sorry Day is commemorated on 26 May, 27 May marks the anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum and 3 June commemorates the High Court Mabo decision. These dates are significant milestones as we continue the reconciliation journey.

This year is especially significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Indigenous right to vote, the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Tent Embassy and the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision.  As you may be aware JCU has a special connection with Eddie Koiki Mabo and is commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision through two significant events being held at the Townsville campus this week.

Firstly, Professor Henry Reynolds will deliver the annual Mabo Lecture this Friday 1 June at 12 noon on the topic The Mabo Decision 20 years on.  Did it change the nation?   The Lecture will be videolinked to the Cairns and Singapore campuses and will be available for viewing on the JCU website shortly after.  For further details and to register please visit https://alumni.jcu.edu.au/MaboLecture2012

On Sunday 3 June we will join with the Mabo family to host an afternoon of activities at the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library at the Townsville Campus.  The celebrations commence with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 2.00pm on the southern side of the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library.  Further details are available at http://alumni.jcu.edu.au/MaboDay2012

Reconciliation Week will involve activities and functions being held locally in our communities and I would strongly encourage you to participate wherever possible. I wish you a successful and happy time during National Reconciliation Week 2012.

Professor Sandra Harding
Vice-Chancellor and President
James Cook University