Aboriginal peoples

Reconciliation

Our department is committed to creating a community that is safe, inclusive and welcoming to Aboriginal peoples. We strive to achieve positive outcomes and build resilience in South Australian Aboriginal communities.

We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal peoples as the State’s first peoples and nations, and recognises Aboriginal peoples as traditional owners and occupants of lands and waters in South Australia.

We strive to build a workforce and community proud and inclusive of South Australia’s Aboriginal cultures.

A video message (1.18mins) from the Department's Executive Leadership Group on What Reconciliation Means to them.

The department’s vision for Reconciliation

The department’s vision for Reconciliation is:

for South Australia to be a community that is safe, inclusive and welcoming to all Aboriginal peoples
for racism and prejudice to be eliminated from our department
for all Aboriginal peoples to be able to participate equally in every aspect of society.

To guide our journey towards Reconciliation, the department has:

a dedicated Reconciliation Committee
a Statement of Reconciliation
a Reconciliation Action Plan
a print version of the Reconciliation Action Plan (PDF 252.7 KB).

Cultural Maintenance reconciliation artwork

'Cultural Maintenance' is a reconciliation artwork commissioned by our department and created by South Australian artist, Allan Sumner.

This artwork is a fusion of symbols that represent the Department’s Reconciliation Action Plan vision. The artwork reflects many values that help to build the capacity of DHS. It visually pieces together in waveform, representing cohesion and connectedness as an organisation.

Watch a video of artist Allan Sumner (YouTube 5.24 mins), describing the meaning of his artwork ‘Cultural Maintenance’ commissioned by the Department.

Explore the interactive image of the Cultural Maintenance artwork, highlighting the significance and meaning behind the different elements of the artwork.

Events

Each year, DHS participates in:

Sorry Day
NAIDOC events
Reconciliation week

These events acknowledge important days of remembrance and commemoration, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. They also provide an opportunity to recognise the achievements of Aboriginal Australians and acknowledge their vital contributions to our country.