National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 May to 3 June.

It is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

If you are unable to make it to the Zoo, book into one of our Animals of the Dreaming Video Conference sessions instead. 

Description

Come and celebrate National Reconciliation week at Taronga Zoo by signing a hand and placing it in our Sea of Hands art installation, booking into an Animals of the Dreaming lesson or taking a walk with an Aboriginal host for our new walking tour for schools.

The Sea of Hands was first held in front of Parliament House in 1997. Its aim was to recognise native title and show support from non-indigenous Australians for Indigenous Australians, native title and reconciliation. The hands represent the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander flags and each holds the signature of the person supporting the movement.

This year our hands will form the shape of wild animals found in Mosman.

Today, the hands symbolise community support for Reconciliation, Rights and Respect.

Planting a sea of hands is an act of recognition – of identities, cultures and history. 

Bring your class down to the Condor Lawns, next to the QBE Free-flight Bird Show Amphitheatre, to place a hand on our art installation.

Stage/age targeted

Stages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Dates

National Reconciliation Week

28-31 May 2013

Zoo Excursion

Animals of the Dreaming Zoo workshop (29, 30, 31 May, 2013)

Click here for more booking information.

Videoconference Options

Animals of the Dreaming videoconference (29, 30, 31 May, 2013)

Special Animals of the Dreaming session With Aboriginal Elder and entertainer Col Hardy (28th May, 2013)

Click here to book through DART Connections. Hint: select 'Taronga Zoo Sydney' in the 'Filter Excursions by Provider' drop down menu.

More more information visit this page.