Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week

Aboriginal painting - Reconciliation

Marni Ninna Budni ‘Welcome’.

The City of Tea Tree Gully recognises our considerable natural and cultural heritage, including thousands of years of traditional ownership by the Kaurna people. We celebrate and recognise the history and achievements of First Nations people throughout the year and support these national campaigns with a variety of activities. 

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week runs every year from 27 May to 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week runs from 2 July to 9 July and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. 2023 celebrates the theme “For our Elders” who “are our cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.”

Learn more about NAIDOC Week 

Learn about Kaurna culture

Places to visit in Tea Tree Gully

Bentley Reserve

At Bentley Reserve in Holden Hill, there is a scar tree and a native garden that has become a popular spot for the community and local schools to meet and learn about Kaurna heritage and native plants.

Smart Road

Adorning the fences along Smart Road opposite Tea Tree Plaza, local Kaurna artist Paul Herzich crafted a series of panels featuring butterflies, emus and ibis to showcase our diverse local fauna and enrich public art in Modbury.  

Civic Park

The Reconciliation Feature Garden in Civic Park acknowledges the importance of First Nations history and the need for local reconciliation. The garden features an arbour depicting falling bark, log seating, forest-style planting and three ground-based art components.

Films to watch

The Tea Tree Gully Library provides free access to streaming service Beamafilm to those with a library card. Embrace the spirit of reconciliation with Beamafilm's powerful watchlist of films that shed light on the experiences, struggles, and resilience of First Nations peoples.

Ablaze

Ablaze tells the story of Bill Onus, a Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man from Victoria, a truly heroic cultural and political figure who revived his people's culture in the 1940s and ignited a civil rights movement that would, against enormous odds, change the course of history. Watch here

Utopia

Utopia is a vast region in northern Australia and home to the oldest human presence on earth. ‘This film is a journey into that secret country,’ says director John Pilger, ‘It will describe not only the uniqueness of the first Australians, but their trail of tears and betrayal and resistance – from one utopia to another’. Watch here

Emu Runner

Emu Runner is a lyrical story about the impact a mother's death has on an Aboriginal family living in an isolated community, which is perched on an ancient river and surrounded by sprawling plains. Watch here

The Australian Dream

Using the stunning athleticism of Adam Goodes at the peak of his powers as well as the game itself as the film’s backdrop, 'The Australian Dream' prompts questions about Australia’s relationship with racism and its ability to confront its own past. Watch here

Servant or Slave

'Servant or Slave' is an emotional insight into both the history and legacy of the domestic servitude forced upon Aboriginal people in Australia. Crucially confronting, the hidden reality of slavery existing throughout Australia's history is told through the stories of five women. Watch here

Namatjira Project

From the remote Australian desert to the opulence of Buckingham Palace – this is the iconic story of the Namatjira family, tracing their quest for justice. Albert Namatjira was the first Indigenous person to be made a citizen by the Australian Government. The founder of the Indigenous art movement in Australia, his artworks gave many Australians their first glimpses into the outback heart of the country. Watch here

Discover more films to watch
Sign up for a library card to access our Digital Library

Books to read

The Tea Tree Gully Library has a range of First Nations stories by First Nations authors available to borrow for free with your library card.

View the collection

First Nation community leaders video

To recognise Reconciliation Week 2022, Tea Tree Gully Council hosted a round-table discussion with First Nation elders and community leaders. Watch the video series