27 MAY - 3 JUNE 2004

RECONCILIATION: FOR THE HEALTH OF THE NATION

Reconciliation means facing up to racism.
Reconciliation means letting Indigenous peoples have a say in their future.
Reconciliation means self-determination and human rights for Indigenous peoples. 
Reconciliation means better health, housing, education and employment outcomes.
Reconciliation means a healthier nation.

The Indigenous peoples of Australia are a blessing to the land and waters of this country.  Their unique continuing culture and tradition of land custodianship are fundamental to the health of the nation.  But sadly, there is a deep chasm which lies between the First Peoples of this country and the rest of the population.

It is more than poor health outcomes; although we must acknowledge the serious nature of the fact that the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is 20 years below the national average.  It is more than poor housing, education outcomes and income levels.  It is more than the still prevalent racism.

The deep chasm exists because we are still to resolve the fundamental injustices which have created these conditions for Indigenous peoples.  Despite countless inquiries and reports, recommendations to address these fundamental and foundational issues remain unimplemented. 

Why have similar nations like Canada and New Zealand closed the 'health gap' between their first peoples and the rest of their population, while Australia has not?  Treaties, human rights and policies of self-determination have provided a framework for achieving better health outcomes in those nations.

In Australia, reconciliation needs to go further than the memory of a million "bridge walkers" and "sorry signers".   As the recent Senate Inquiry into Reconciliation suggests, we need national leadership to redress injustice and deal with disadvantage. 

For the health of the nation and the health of Indigenous people we must all put reconciliation back on the agenda. 

Faith Communities for Reconciliation are
The Anglican Church of Australia, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Baptist Union of Australia, Buddhist Community in Australia, Churches of Christ, Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Hindu Community in Australia, Liberal Catholic Church, Lutheran Church of Australia, Religious Society of Friends, Roman Catholic Church, Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha¡', The Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Uniting Church in Australia, National Council of Churches in Australia, World Conference on Religion and Peace.

What Can You Do?

As a person of faith committed to reconciliation you can:

• actively ensure that the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is observed well in your faith community
• encourage your faith community
  • to make commitments for reconciliation     
  • to participate in services of worship, camps and conferences in which Indigenous and non-indigenous people will share
  • erect plaques on buildings recognising the traditional owners of the land
  • establish programs to assist Indigenous economic empowerment and employment
  • promote cultural awareness and understanding
• redress racism and disadvantage in its own structures
• participate in community campaigns to
  • support Indigenous rights and redress Indigenous disadvantage
  • seek changes in education which better reflect Indigenous culture and our shared history
  • erect memorials and monuments in recognition of the true history
  • encourage the development of agreements between local government bodies and Indigenous people
  • improve the delivery of health services for Indigenous people

The Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is an initiative of faith communities in Australia committed to a just reconciliation with Indigenous people. It is part of the wider process of reconciliation, which has been going on since 1991. The Week of Prayer begins on 27 May, the date of the 1967 Commonwealth Government Referendum which acknowledged the rightful place of Indigenous people in the Australian population, and ends on 3 June, the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision of the High Court of Australia, recognising the pre-existence of native title to land in Australia.