REDLANDERS have been urged to connect with local cultural opportunities as National Reconciliation Week kicks off.
National Reconciliation Week - held from May 27 to June 3 - is a national campaign to celebrate and build on respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.
This year's theme is In this together, and mayor Karen Williams said it was especially poignant during these unprecedented times of social isolation.
She said the first day of National Reconciliation Week was the perfect time to acknowledge the Quandamooka People, the traditional custodians of the lands and seas of the Redlands.
"Wherever you are, choose your social media platform - or the privacy of your own space - to pay your respects," she said.
"The Nughie, Noonuccal and Gorenpul peoples, collectively known as the Quandamooka People, have lived in careful balance with our region's natural wonders for more than 21,000 years.
"If you know where to look, the evidence of this ageless connection surrounds you."
Council's first internal Reconciliation Action Plan, Kanara Malara - One People 2019 - 2021, was endorsed in July 2019.
"Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians - as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation," Cr Williams said.
"We all have a role to play in healing the relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
Redland Art Gallery has created an online program of events for the week.
Each day from Wednesday, May 27, until Tuesday, June 2 the gallery will post on Facebook and Instagram, including featured artworks from the RAG collection, films Seeing Country and Gathering Strands and artist interviews.
Visitors to Minjerribah, or North Stradbroke Island, could also observe place markers designed by two Quandamooka artists.
The Amity (Pulan) sculpture, designed by Belinda Close, depicts the millenia-old story of the sea eagle Mirriginpah soaring above the waters of Moreton Bay in search of food, alerting the Quandamooka People to the annual arrival of mullet.
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins' design at Point Lookout (Mulumba) sculpture features three 2.5 metre tall eugarie shells, symbolising coming together.
"There is a range of Aboriginal cultural activities available on Redlands Coast including guided land-based whale and cultural walks, art galleries, food experiences," Cr Williams said.
There are many national events offered across National Reconciliation Week.
To get involved, visit nrw.reconciliation.org.au
For local cultural activities and experiences, contact Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visitredlandscoast.com.au
