Symbolic Reconciliation In Australia

Many Australians associate and put emphasis on the idea of reconciliation between indigenous Australians and non indigenous Australians with the federal governments formal reconciliation policy in 1991. However the events of symbolic reconciliation play an equal part if not more significant part of this reconciliation process by bridging the 'gap' between indigenous people and non indigenous people of Australia both in past and present times. Without these fundamental symbolic events of reconciliation it can be argued that the federal governments formal reconciliation policy and other practical reconciliation efforts may have never eventuated. This concept is elucidated in the text which not only highlights the value of these symbolic reconciliation
The leader of the freedom bus was a student by the name of Charles Perkins, one of two indigenous students at University of Sydney at the time and became the president of the Student Action for Aboriginals. The freedom ride was a bus trip around country new south wales to give students an insight into the inequalities experienced by the indigenous australians living in these areas, first hand. At the time of this protest, globally racism was broadcasted everywhere from places like South Africa and America in which the Australian public were some what disgusted at this discrimination happening in these countries. Little did they know, the discrimination happening in their own backyard. The Student Action for Aboriginals (SAFA) group made a collective effort to make sure there was as much media exposure as possible to allow Australia as a country and around the world to be made aware of this disturbing issue, not only the indigenous peoples living conditions but most importantly the racism and discrimination happening for these communities. The freedom ride was one of the most influential events in the reconciliation period as it not only brought about awareness but also t also acted as indication to the wider community of Australia of
The referendum was a massive achievement for Indigenous Australians with 90% of the Australian population voting Yes for these two parts of the Australian Constitution to be over ruled and changed. Although this was a major event in the reconciliation process to bringing non indigenous and indigeonous people together it would be naive to think that this eradicated the racism and discrimination all together. These significant and monumental events in the history of reconciliation in Australia were significant cornerstones in the development of justice, rights and equality however the transition period was often challenging for the indigenous Australians as they had to adjust to a culturally different way of life. This was often not recognised within the Australian community causing confusion and further divide in the way in which the Australian public view and thought reconciliation consisted of. The referendum however provided a platform of hope for the future of reconciliation in Australia as it symbolised a political step towards rights and justice for the indigenous