Uniting cultures and building bridges: Zoos and aquariums celebrate Australian Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for Australians to learn about our shared histories and cultures, to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous communities, for the benefit of all. Each year, the date remains the same, held between 27 May to 3 June to commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, which changed the legal rights of Aboriginal people, respectively.
This year, the 2023 theme is “Be a Voice for Generations” which honours generations of Australian changemakers who helped fight for justice and the generations to come, who will help tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. Zoos and aquariums across Australia have embraced this theme and continue to provide opportunities for education and increased Aboriginal self-determination.
Caption: National Reconciliation Week 2023, Credit: Reconciliation Australia
On 3 April, Taronga Zoo's newest native wildlife experience: ‘Nura Diya Australia’ opened to the public and offers a unique opportunity for guests to become a part of the landscape and forge lifelong connections with iconic species, including Dingoes, which have been returned to Taronga for the first time in 14 years. ‘Nura Diya’, derived from Sydney’s First Language means “This Country”, with the words gifted to Taronga Zoo through ongoing and meaningful consultation with Aboriginal communities, including the Taronga Aboriginal Advisory Group, Cammeraigal and Taronga’s First Nations staff.
The precinct is home to over 270 individual species, from 23 different species groups across bura nura (Kangaroo Country), gulamany nura (Koala Country), wuragal nura (Dingo Country) and the soon-to-be-completed nguwing yana [Sydney First Language translating to Night Walk], featuring a variety of nocturnal animals. Nura Diya brings together iconic Australian wildlife in state-of-the-art habitats, connects guests to Taronga’s crucial conservation work, embeds powerful storytelling from Aboriginal artists and leaves guests with an understanding of the role they play both within and for the environment.
The immersive experience launched with an Acknowledgement of Country by students currently completing a Skills Based Apprenticeships Training Program at Taronga and a performance by the Wagana Collective. The exhibit features two, 4.5-metre-tall Angophora Bark sculptures, created by Murri man; Jacob Nash to honor the Cammeraigal Country as well as Mother and child Hugger sculptures which are positioned along the Adventure Path encouraging guests to hug a tree, and in doing so connecting and appreciating trees and understanding the critical role they have for the health of this Country. It also includes the Ngununy nura (Food Country), a cultural garden created by the not-for-profit, social impact landscaping organisation Wildflower, who transformed an old colonial monkey exhibit into a decolonised edible and medicinal garden.