Reconciliation Australia has confirmed its first new co-chairs in more than a decade, brought on by the retirement of outgoing leaders of the board.

Retirees include Professor Tom Calma, a key architect in the proposed Voice to Parliament and former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, with Melinda Cilento also departing her role as co-chair.

Longtime Reconciliation Australia (RA) director and independent consultant Kirstie Parker and more recent appointment to the board Michael Rose will take up the joint post.

Ms Parker, a Yuwaalaraay woman and RA director since 2010, forecast the journey ahead.

"Whilst as a nation we have stumbled in recent times and lost some ground, I'm eternally buoyed by the dignity, courage and tenacity of First Nations people as well as many non-Indigenous Australians of the same character," she said.

"Enduring reconciliation will be achieved not through the comments section of tabloid newspapers or on talkback radio airwaves but through the steady advancement of First Nations self-determination underpinned by a groundswell of genuine, thoughtful actions – small and big – by good people with open hearts.

"Through these, we will see the best of this nation."

Ms Parker is a previous Strategic Adviser to the Uluru Dialogue, South Australian Government director of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence chief executive and National Congress of Australia's First Peoples co-chair.

Her new co-chair in Mr Rose was awarded with an Order of Australia for his service to Indigenous communities and legal efforts.

Mr Rose also comes from a broad background in policy.

"Through their leadership and guidance, Tom and Melinda have positioned Reconciliation Australia well to continue its important work, work that matters now more than ever," he said.

"I am looking forward to working with Kirstie, our board colleagues and the management team, taking this work forward."

Professor Calma and Ms Cilento had led the board since 2011.

"'Their contribution to reconciliation and Australian public life has been immense, and I have no doubt that their passionate advocacy for First Nations justice and reconciliation will continue," Ms Parker said.

Meuram man Kenny Bedford has also ended his tenure on the board.

In a statement on Monday, RA chief executive Karen Mundine said reflecting on the previous 12 months, and projected the avenues forward "to advance the cause of First Nations self-determination".

"Last year's Voice to Parliament referendum demonstrated that we still have a long walk on our reconciliation journey, but it also reaffirmed that our work over the past decades has created a powerful force for positive change," Ms Mundine said.

"Now more than ever we know our supporters, partners, and allies will listen to the voices of First Nations peoples and act for a more just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

"In truth-telling, education, child removals, incarceration I know our supporters will join us to advance the cause of First Nations self-determination."