Reconciliation Journey /

Learn about the reconciliation journey and how you can support.

What is Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Click here to read NRL's Reconciliation Action Plan journey.

National Reconciliation Week- 27th May to 3rd June

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a week created to inform all Australians about Indigenous shared history, culture and achievements, and the exploration on how each of us can contribute to reconciliate Australia. NRW runs from May 27th – 3rd June every year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey.

The 27 May 1967 was Australia’s most successful referendum which saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.  

On the 3rd of June 1992 the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title. 

The NRW 2023 theme is “Be A Voice For Generations” urging all Australians to use their power, their words and their vote to create a better, more just Australia for all of us. It is important to play our part in building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, histories, cultures and futures. 

The Voice

The voice was proposed in the Uluru statement from the Heart. The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for “the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about our history.” A voice to parliament gives Indigenous communities a route to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives.

To view frequently asked questions on the Voice, please click here.

How can you support?

Through educating yourself and others around you, together we can support the reconciliation journey. 
Here are some resources that can guide you to a more in depth understanding of the voice to parliament and the Uluru statement from the Heart.

Events are run throughout the week for Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements. To view the 2023 National Reconciliation Week events, click here.

We respect the right of all our fans to form their own opinions about the Voice and we do not endorse any particular political party or ideology. We believe every individual should have access to information and facts, so that they feel empowered to make their own choices. 
True change comes through listening, learning and taking action – and we encourage everyone in the Rugby League community to use their voice, so that we can move forward together.