A free family-friendly event showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, food, music and entertainment will be held at the National Arboretum Canberra to mark Reconciliation Day on Monday, 29 May.

Part of Reconciliation Week, which takes place across Australia from 27 May (anniversary of the 1967 Referendum) to 3 June (Mabo Day) each year, Reconciliation Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, the ongoing impacts of colonisation and the work we need to do to heal and close the gap.

Reconciliation Day at National Arboretum Canberra will be held from 10am to 3pm. Highlights of this year’s program include:

Smoking ceremony
Join Ngunnawal traditional custodian Uncle Wally Bell as he performs this ancient Aboriginal custom.

• When: 10am
• Where: Terrace Lawns

Portrait exhibition
View the portraits and learn the stories behind some of the many leaders of reconciliation in our community.

• When: 10am-3pm
• Where: Terrace Lawns

Bush tucker demonstrations
Volunteer guides will help visitors appreciate the diversity of local plants - especially those in the Bush Tucker Garden. Forest 20 includes 16 species of Eucalyptus and many shrubs, herbs and grasses typical of the ACT region.

• When: 10:00am – 12pm
• Where: STEP Forest, Bush Tucker Garden

Drop-in cultural activities
Join Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s Richie Allan at anytime throughout the day to participate in activities including basket weaving, ochre face painting, bush medicine, Boomerang decorating and Didgeridoo workshops.

• When: 10:30am-3pm
• Where: Terrace Room

Get sporty with the Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies and AFL ACT
Thankfully there is plenty of space to run a round and kick a ball at the National Arboretum. Get involved in whichever is your code.

• When: 10:30am-3pm.
• Where: Terrace Lawns

Project Dust dance performance
Project Dust is an emerging First Nations dance group. They come together from many tribes to dance on Ngunnawal Country and build up youth confidence and culture.

• When: 1:25pm-1:55pm
• Where: Mununja the Butterfly Garden

Wiradjuri Echoes
Experience the dynamic performances of Wiradjuri Dancers and join in to learn a few dance steps. A great performance for kids.

• When: 2pm-2:45pm
• Where: Mununja the Butterfly Garden

Microwave Jenny
Tessa and Brendon Boney make up Australian pop duo Microwave Jenny. Be sure to catch them as they take the stage.

• Where: Main Stage
• When: 2:15pm-3pm

Getting to Reconciliation Day at the National Arboretum

Transport Canberra will be providing free shuttle bus services between the city and the National Arboretum on Reconciliation Day, Monday 29 May 2023. Regular fares apply for all other bus and light rail services.

Shuttle services will operate every 30 minutes from 9:30am and depart from bus stop 3002 on London Circuit (outside Mooseheads). The last bus returning to the city will depart from the National Arboretum at 3:45pm.

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