Australia’s diverse landscapes have been navigated and cherished by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of generations. Orienteering joins this history in developing a respect for the outdoors and an appreciation for country. As a sport, orienteering recognises the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we conduct our sporting activities and is actively working to build relationships with local Indigenous communities. We acknowledge, however, that there is still much more to do to advance reconciliation and reduce inequality.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The NRW 2025 theme is Bridging Now to Next. It reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Orienteering’s Reconciliation Action Plan draft
One practical step OA is taking to support reconciliation is through the creation of a Reconciliation Action Plan. This will establish some clear actions to support developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and increase orienteering’s respect and inclusivity.
Orienteering Australia has helped facilitate a working group with representatives from each state/territory to draft a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The group has drafted actions and deliverables for each of the four pillars (Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, Governance).
Before the draft is submitted to Reconciliation Australia for endorsement, the orienteering community is welcome to view the draft and give feedback. The RAP can be accessed here.
Notes: the yellow highlighted text is mandatory actions and deliverables. This is OA’s first RAP (a ‘Reflect’ RAP), so it includes initial steps with a specific focus on OA’s responsibilities. Any feedback can be sent to participation@orienteering.asn.au
What is National Reconciliation Week?
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
For more information, visit the Reconciliation Australia website
