Reconciliation is a process where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, non-Indigenous Australians and Australian governments forge a new relationship based on mutual understanding, recognition and respect.

ANTaR's vision of a reconciled Australia is a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are valued, respected and affirmed across all areas of society.

It will be a time after proper restitution has been made to the first Australians for the suffering caused by the invasion of their lands and the violence, dispossession and exclusion that followed.

In a reconciled Australia, Indigenous children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, Indigenous families will no longer fear violence and abuse and the length and quality of a person's life will not be determined by their racial background.

Australians will know we are truly reconciled when the shame of those descended from the invaders and the anger of those whose land was invaded are no longer barriers to us forming relationships of friendship and trust with one another.

Recent key reports

Paul Keating's Redfern speech

In December 2002, then Prime Minister Paul Keating gave a speech in the Sydney suburb of Redfern, now known as Paul Keating's Redfern speech. In it, he described his vision of Indigenous self-determination and self-management.

Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, and Reconciliation Australia

The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation was established in 1991, but was replaced in 2001 by Reconciliation Australia, which still exists.

Mick Dodson's Corroboree speech

At Corroboree 2000, Mick Dodson gave a speech that described his vision for Reconciliation in Australia.

All things considered — a range of opinions

To give you a complete picture about reconciliation, here's a range of perspectives. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of ANTaR, but we think they should be considered and thoughtfully debated.

• Saying sorry is a necessary step to reconciliation - Max Atkinson, 18 November 2007
• Serious business - Galarrwuy Yunupingu, 27 October 2007
• Many paths to reconciliation - The Australian, 13 October 2007
• Reconciliation talk now needs the walk - Gary Highland, 12 October 2007
• The right time - Prime Minister John Howard, 11 October 2007
• Stolen wages a major barrier to reconciliation - Gary Highland, 30 August 2007
• In memory of reconciliation - Philip Adams, 31 March 2007
• Aboriginal affairs, their problem? - John Burnheim, 8 March 2007
• Is reconciliation dead? Or will white Australia finally listen? - The Age, 2 June 2006

What is your vision of a reconciled Australia?

We encourage considered, respectful and where necessary provocative debate. Please feel welcome to have your say, and in turn allow others to have their say without responding in anger or distrust.

ANTaR reserves the right to delete any comment that contains offensive, defamatory or discriminatory content. If you feel any of these comments are of this nature, please let us know.