Reconciliation Week

Wednesday 21

Liyarn Ngarn

Come together for this documentary film  Liyarn Ngarn (it means ‘coming together of the spirit' in the Yawuru language of the West Kimberley region) is an important documentary charting Oscar-nominated British actor Pete Postlethwaite's personal journey with respected songman Archie Roach into Aboriginal Australia. Post-screening, Postlethwaite, the eminent Patrick Dodson and Archie Roach will discuss the road to reconciliation. Supported by The Horizon Foundation. Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay. Bookings, (02 9250 1988). May 21, 7.30pm-9.45pm. $25/$20.

Thursday 22

Gunyah, Goondie and Wurley

Sydney Writers' Festival event. The Aboriginal Architecture of Australia's Paul Memmott discusses the function, symbolism and meaning of indigenous architecture which responds and melds to the environment rather than the European insistence the environment adapts to us. Also on the agenda: the architectural practices of indigenous Australians pre-European contact, classical Aboriginal ethno-architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries, Outstation architecture of the 70s and recent contemporary design by indigenous architects with western training. Co-presented with Historic Houses Trust (HHT). Museum of Sydney, Bridge Street Sydney. (02 8239 2211). Bookings essential. 2.30-3.30pm

Friday 23

Walk for Reconciliation

A symbolic walk for a united tribe. Join in the annual Chifley Walk for Reconciliation, a celebration of the ongoing commitment between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians for reconciliation. Followed by speeches from Winsome Matthews and Roger Price, the Federal Minister for Chifley. Dawson Mall, Mt Druitt 2770. (02 9625 4344). Fri 24 May. 12pm meeting, walk starts 2pm.

Journey of Healing

A celebration of the healing process. PM Kevin Rudd's national apology is the beginning of a new journey towards healing the divide between cultures in our country to bring us all one step closer towards reconciliation. This day promises fun and education. Scout Hall, Bilarong Reserve, Wakehurst Parkway, North Narrabeen 2101. (02 9913 8226).  3-5.30pm.

Sunday 25

NSW Sorry Day Commemoration

Hear the stories of Stolen Generations. This commemoration has representatives from National Sorry Day Committee marking the historic occasion. First Fleet Park, Circular Quay, Sydney 2000 (02 9319 1034 ). 11am Sun 25 May. Free.

Screening of Liyarn Ngarn

Discussion of the documentary. Experience this powerful film on contemporary issues and participate in a talk about how we might respond locally. Glenbrook Cinema, Glenbrook 3.30-4pm. $10. See Weds May 21.

Monday 26 Sorry Day

Sorry Day March & Concert

Epicentre of Reconciliation Week. Your chance for people power to speak loudest. The NSW Sorry Day March commences at 10 am when we gather our respective mobs at Sydney Town Hall, proceed down George St (once a Cadigal walking track) and begin what promises to be a long, emotional and soul-stirring walk to First Fleet Park, Circular Quay. First Fleet Park, Circular Quay. Free.

Tuesday 27

Forum: Sorry - a new beginning

The stories and perspectives of key Indigenous speakers Presented by NSW Reconciliation Council, the NSW Sorry Day Committee and Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Here ex-Democrats deputy Aden Ridgeway and others will publically ponder solutions to advancing reconciliation at a local level. NSW Teachers Federation Auditorium, 39-41 Reservoir St, Surry Hills 2010

Wednesday 28

One Small Life, Bronwyn Bancroft

Hear the story of Bancroft's journey from country town, to artist and mother. Best known for her work in the fashion and textile industry as well her beautiful and award-winning children's books (and her recent mural in Redfern, see p.79) , Bronwyn Bancroft has long been an icon of indigenous art. ‘Yinalung Yenu: Women's Journey' explores domestic life through the personal objects of Aboriginal women and the ways in which they're more influential than men in Aboriginal culture. Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo, Sydney 2007 (02 9217 0100). 12.30-1.30pm, Wed 28 May. Free.

Kids Voices for Reconciliation

Kids and koori kulture in Ku ring gai Stories, poetry, and artwork by children from schools in the surrounding areas as well as guest speakers. Dr Anita Heiss guest speaker and MC. Bicentennial Park, West Pymble (Ku ring gai Reconciliation Centre 02 9144 5900). 11.30am­-1pm. Free.

Thursday 29

Pauline McLeod Awards for Reconciliation: Presentation Ceremony

Meet the modern advocates for reconciliation Pauline McLeod used her talent as a storyteller, poet, actor, artist and activist to advocate reconciliation and her legacy lives on in this epcial event. The awards, given in her memory, acknowledge those who continue the work which she began in their communities. Randwick City Council Town Hall, cnr Avoca St and Frances St, Randwick, Sydney 2031 (1300 722 542). 4.30-6pm, Thurs 29 May. Free.

Friday 30

Hornsby Children's Voices for Reconciliation

Smoking ceremony led by local Aboriginal elders The next generation of reconciliation advocates will perform songs, plays and dances that celebrate and perpetuate Aboriginal traditions. Children from local schools will be joined by visiting indigenous students to consolidate the spirit of reconciliation through performance. Hornsby Mall, 33 Florence St, Hornsby 2077. (02 9484 1043). 10am, Fri 30 May. Free.

Aboriginal Artists Art Exhibition

Primary and high school children through to professional artists Local artists showcase their work to Central Coast residents and visitors to promote reconciliation within the community as a whole. The exhibition gives indigenous people the motivation to get involved within their community. Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St, East Gosford 2250. (02 4320 0630). Fri 30 May-Sat 12 July. 10am-4pm. Free.

"Influences, Experiences, Expectations" A Living History

A discussion highlighting an interesting life many non-indigenous Australians may have had trouble relating to
Hear Lyn Riley-Mundine's story of the barriers and strengths which supported her and her family through their struggles in being indigenous. Her presentation offers an insight into the ways educational opportunities were not available, but how she still shone through.
Leichhardt Town Hall, Cnr Norton and Marion Sts, Leichhardt 2040. (02 9555 6138). Fri 30 May. 6.30-8.30pm.

Indigenous Veterans Memorial Service

The Anzac Memorial Museum will be featuring displays centred on the contribution made by Indigenous Australian Veterans Join indigenous veterans and their families and take part in the ceremony to honour the forgotten Australian and Torres Strait Islander veterans who proudly served our country.
Anzac Memorial Hyde Park, Sydney 2000. (02 9264 8188) Fri 30 May. 11am. Free.

Saturday 31

Ecumenical Service & Family Picnic

Join in the earth-fire-water ritual and a reconciliation prayer Become a part of Aboriginal ritual in a traditional smoking ceremony where those attending the ceremony can "wash" themselves in smoke to symbolize purification and ridding themselves of evil spirits. Kamay-Botany Bay National Park, Captain Cook Drv, Kurnell 2231. (02 9523 9514). Sat 31 May. 11am-3.30pm. Free.

Reconciliation In Parliament Forum: Compensation for the Stolen Generation

Witness the nuts and bolts of Reconciliation and make up your own mind on the issue. Speakers from academic, governmental and human-rights backgrounds will debate the contentious issue of compensation for the Stolen Generations. Hear from members of the Generations in what is sure to be a highly charged discussion. NSW Parliament, Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney 2000 (02 9219 0719). 6pm, Tue 10 June. Free. 

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