Reconciliation Through First Nations Languages

Join us for a free online learning event for Reconciliation Week 2026 to explore the theme of ‘All In’. This event is a collaboration between Museums of History NSW and the Parliament of NSW. Together we will give students insight into how Parliament and community-led projects are contributing to the revitalisation of Aboriginal languages across the state.

The virtual event is suitable for students in stages 2 and 3.

From Parliament NSW you will hear from First Nations educators about the passing of the Aboriginal Languages Bill in 2017. What was this legislation about? Why was it needed? What does it tell us about the role of Parliament in reconciliation? The team will also talk about the significance of the message stick that was presented to Parliament after the Bill was passed, and the ceremony that took place.

Your students will then hear about a project that is seeking to improve access for First Nations people to important archival material about culture, kinship, stories and languages.

At the end of the event, students will have the opportunity to engage creatively and write messages for Reconciliation Week in a message stick activity.

Additional post-event resources have been designed to support your students to create written texts to communicate their understanding of the past and the actions being taken towards revitalising and maintaining Aboriginal languages.

For more information, contact the MHNSW Learning team at learning.team@mhnsw.au.