Those who can't remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
                                       George Santayana                                    



Reading for Reconciliation was selected as a Finalist in the Community Organisation category of the 2012 Queensland Reconciliation Awards and received a certificate at the reception hosted by the Premier during National Reconciliation week on 29 May 2012.

In 2013, we plan to continue to have authors who are able to do so come to speak with us directly and to celebrate our 10th 'Birthday' in July with some special celebrations.

WHAT?
 
We are more than a ‘book club’ and we will celebrate our 10th Anniversary in July 2013.
·         Our group has no political or religious affiliations and we come from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
·         Our common purpose is to expand our knowledge and understanding of current issues impacting on Australia's First Peoples by reading and discussing works (primarily, though not exclusively) by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors in an informal, friendly setting.
·         The books we read reveal glimpses of Australia’s ‘hidden histories’ - especially as experienced by those who have lived them.

WHY?
The publication of the Bringing Them Home Report in 1997, the subsequent Bridge Walks and Kevin Rudd’s Apology, have resulted in many Australians being exposed to aspects of our shared histories of which they had been largely ignorant. However, most of us went through an Education System that taught us nothing about ‘White Australia having a Black History’ - as Henry Reynolds cogently asked “Why weren’t we told?” We all have so much still to learn. Reading for Reconciliation seeks to cut through the ignorance and misinformation that abounds even now on so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. 
·         It is not only the reading and discussion of the books that have provided enlightenment on the factors underlying present day disadvantage and possibilities for solutions. We have been privileged to have had many of the authors come to speak with us. These interactions and the effective networking that has grown from them have also assisted us in deepening our understanding of many complex issues.
·         While education and knowledge are only the first steps in healing wrongs of the past and establishing foundations for progress, they make possible large strides in understanding the present and hopefully a giant leap forward to a just and harmonious future.

WHERE and WHEN?
We meet at the centrally located Loris Williams Room at kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland on Sunday mornings, from 10.30 – 12.30, at approximately six weekly intervals. NEW ‘READERS’ ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

HOW DOES IT WORK? 
Titles and dates for the upcoming year are determined at our final meeting of each year. Members take turns in ‘leading’ discussion of a particular title and each ‘leader’ is expected to provide some extra background or context, focus the discussion, etc.  All titles chosen are available through the Brisbane City Council Library service. A big “Thank you” to BCC for invaluable support.

                          

February 10          The biggest estate on earth: how Aborigines made Australia
                                     Bill Gammage

March 24              They crossed a continent
                                     Margaret Sommerville

May 05                The Lone Protester: A.M. Fernando in Australia and Europe
                                     Fiona Paisley

June 16                Grace beside me
                                     Sue McPherson

July 28                 Am I black enough for you?
                                     Anita Heiss

September 08       Ina's Story
                                    Catherine Titasey

October 20           Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines
                                    David Uniapon

December 01        Good Morning Mr Sarra
                                    Chris Sarra