Learning module:
Rights and freedoms Defining Moments, 1945–present
Investigation 1: Exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights through key Defining Moments
1.22 2000 Walk for Reconciliation across Sydney Harbour Bridge
Loui Seselja, National Library of Australia nla.obj-145680129
It is 2000.
Three years earlier a ‘Sea of Hands’ had been planted on the lawns outside the Australian Parliament as a powerful, physical representation of a Citizen’s Statement on Native Title. A petition was also circulated to mobilise non-Indigenous support for Native Title and reconciliation.
Now a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge has been planned as another public expression of attitudes towards reconciliation.
How would people respond to this?
Read the information in the Defining Moment in Australian history: 2000 Walk for Reconciliation across Sydney Harbour Bridge and answer the questions that follow.
1. What was the Walk for Reconciliation?
2. What was it designed to show?
3. The walk was for ‘reconciliation’. What does ‘reconciliation’ mean?
4. Why would the walkers think that reconciliation was needed and desirable?
5. Was the walk successful in achieving its goals?
6. The walk was symbolic. Why do you think people would believe that symbolic actions are important?
7. What was the significance of the Walk for Reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights?
8. How would this event have influenced the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights over time?
