Lesson+4+'Reconciliation'

 = Reconciliation and Closing the Gap =

Reconciliation is about finding each other, based on mutual respect and equality. In the words of Flora MacDonald, from the ACT Branch of Australians for Reconciliation:

//"We need to include Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders in our communities so that we can all learn from one another and develop a real awareness, understanding, appreciation and respect for the culture and history of Indigenous Australia...Its basis is the inclusion of the Indigenous peoples of Australia, not their exclusion. And that is healing for all of us."// Retrieved March 31, 2009 from []

PART A - Individual Work
Have a [|listen]to what others have to say on reconciliation. Based on what you have heard and learned so far in this unit, answer the following questions in your E-journal; As we saw in the video, 'Close the Gap' there is a remarkable difference between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health statistics. This difference is to what we are refering when we are speaking about the 'Gap'. The Australian government is committed to closing this gap. But what is being done to close the gap?
 * Was an apology necessary?
 *  Is saying sorry enough?
 * Personally, what can you do to help with the reconciliation process?

In your groups of 3, decide who will research on [|EDUCATION], [|HEALTH], and [|ECONOMIC] factors. For more information you can refer to the Apology Speech (page 6) and Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage report (page 8 & 9).

In your research you are to consider:
 * The 'Gap' and the issues contributing towards it.
 * What the government is doing or planning to do.
 * Propose 2 solutions to close the gap.

PART B - Group Work
If you have time left over you can start bringing all the parts together for your campaign advertisement. You will have all of next week's lesson to complete your task.
 * 1) Share your findings with the others in the group. Have the recorder note down the key points. This can be done on your groups' concept map.
 * 2) Discuss your proposals.
 * 3) Refine these proposals and post them on your blog.
 * 4) Interact with other blog postings by commenting and replying. Remember to use positive criticisms. These best come in the form of questions.
 * 5) Modify your proposals in consideration of comments received.
 * 6) Record these as part of your task.

Lastly, go to the reflection page and complete the tasks listed.