Aboriginal leaders and other influential figures are set to speak at National Reconciliation Week breakfasts held across Tasmania next week.
The events, hosted by Reconciliation Tasmania, respond to this year's National Reconciliation Week theme of 'Bridging Now to Next', with events in the north, north-west and south of the state highlighting the connection between the past, present, and future whilst encourage all Tasmanians to come together to create a more united and respectful Tasmania.
In the state's capital, renowned Pakana writer, filmmaker, and activist Uncle Jim Everett Puralia-Meenamatta will deliver the keynote speech while in Burnie and Launceston, Uluru Statement signatory Thomas Mayo and co-author of Pathway to Truth Telling and Treaty report, Kate Warner, will both deliver addresses.
In addition to guest speakers in the state's north and south, attendees will be treated to a live performance from Denni – aka Madame pakana – who will close the Launceston and Hobart events by performing a selection of her original songs.
Each breakfast will celebrate the rich cultural history of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture, and explore the critical question of 'why reconciliation?'.
Reconciliation Tasmania chief executive officer Pauline Cook said members of the public are invited to attend one of the National Reconciliation Week events to "help deepen the conversation and unite in our efforts to create lasting change across our state".
"We're calling on all Tasmanians to seize this moment, where we have collectively chosen unity over division, to better understand the 'WHY' behind the work of Reconciliation," Ms Cook said.
Ms Cook said National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about the nation's shared histories, cultures and achievements.
"It also provides an important and valuable opportunity to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in our homes, families, workplaces and communities," she said.
Reconciliation is about building mutually respectful relationships between Aboriginal people and the Tasmanian community for the benefit of all, Ms Cook said.
"Through our work with the Tasmanian business community, we've begun to see a positive shift in the understanding of reconciliation and the benefits it brings to organisations, she said.
"While reconciliation can initially seem a confronting topic, we've seen and been part of some significant changes in awareness and action among business leaders and staff."
Burnie's Reconciliation Week breakfast is fully booked out, with tickets remaining available for the Launceston and Hobart events.
Reconciliation Tasmania encouraging businesses to book tables for their teams attend in Launceston and Hobart, or donate tables for First Nations Elders and Youth to attend.
"There's still a long way to go, but these breakfasts are a call to action - to look ahead, draw on past lessons, and work together to build a more united and respectful Tasmania for everyone," Ms Cook said.
Held annually from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones: the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision.
Reconciliation Tasmania said this year's theme reflects the need for urgent action to embed First Nations leadership and governance, grounded in truth, accountability, justice, and healing.
Tickets for Reconciliation Week's Launceston and Hobart breakfasts can be booked online.
