6th ANU Reconciliation Lecture 2009: How well do we know each other?

Abstract

Professor Mick Dodson AM is the Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies, ANU, a Professor of Law at the ANU College of Law and former Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia. Mick Dodson is a vigorous advocate of the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples in Australia and the world. He was the Regional Pacific Representative of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues from 2004 to 2007, and was named Australian of the Year 2009.

Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter are two of Australia's leading singer songwriters. They retell intimate real life stories through song which have touched the hearts and souls of audiences around the world. In 2008, they were awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award for their extraordinary contributions to Australian music.

Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is broadly accepted as essential to our national well-being. It is strongly desired. At an institutional level, we are more prepared to back good intentions with action. But at a more personal, intimate level, beyond celebrating the concept of reconciliation and a willingness to participate in public events: what do we really know of each other? Mick Dodson considered the private domain of reconciliation.

The program included a special performance by Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. A short compilation of segments from the National Film and Sound Archive's national collection was also screened as part of this special event. Show more