Reconciliation WA says this year's National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-First Nations allies alike, to "think about what kind of country they want for their children, and their children's children".
The 2023 theme for National Reconciliation Week, "Be the Voice for Generations", comes ahead of the landmark Voice referendum planned for later this year.
On Tuesday, the state's program for May 27-June 3 was announced, preceded by a virtual breakfast on the 25th inviting one million Western Australians - almost half the state's population, to engage with positive generational stories and discussion on the upcoming national vote for a Voice to Parliament.
WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Dr Tony Buti said the journey forward rests on everyone's shoulders.
"National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to acknowledge our shared histories, cultures and achievements towards reconciliation in Australia," the Minister said.
"All individuals, families, communities, organisations, and governments have a role to play in supporting a reconciled Australia.
"This year's National Reconciliation Week program has a range of ways for everyone to get involved and be part of building a better nation."
The West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation and Stolen Generations support network Bringing Them Home WA host a National Sorry Day commemoration at Perth's Stolen Generation Memorial in Wellington Square on May 26.
Uluru Youth and Reconciliation yarns, memoirs, and cultural ceremonies are dotted along the calendar of events.
For National Reconciliation Week, the advocacy, power, fight and mutual contribution to a better future, past and present, bear no restrictions on who is invited to come along on the journey.
Co-chairs Carol Innes and Gary Smith said: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have consistently fought for justice throughout history, alongside ally non-First Nations Australians."
"This year's theme honours the work of those who have come before us and fought for justice in Australia and encourages us today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for future generations," they said in a joint statement.
"With the Voice to Parliament referendum approaching, this National Reconciliation Week is a great opportunity for all Australians to think about what kind of country they want for their children, and their children's children – one that is strong and united."
