Welcome to your 2025 Reconciliation Week online toolkit filled with resources to inspire your participation and action!
In honour of this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, we are sharing a rich array of resources to celebrate the talent, truth, traditions and enterprises of First Nations people across the continent today, while remaining focused on embedding a fairer future.
Reconciliation Week is an important time for us to focus on the critical process of:
“…strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.”
– Reconciliation Australia
Standing in solidarity with First Nations people as educated, receptive and respectful allies is primary to the work of advancing human rights in Australia, and it could not be more urgent.
Why is it important?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are over-represented in many of Australia’s most concerning statistics, including imprisonment, suicide, youth suicide, and mortality.
Ensuring Indigenous peoples can access their rights is central to Amnesty International’s mission and a pressing priority for our local movement.
Amnesty International urges the Federal Government and Parliament to take decisive action to reduce the over-imprisonment of First Nations children and prevent abuse in youth detention centres by:
- Implementing a national youth justice framework to end the incarceration of Indigenous children.
- Recommending that all states and territories raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 14, in line with international standards.
- Investing in Indigenous-led justice reinvestment initiatives and culturally safe, community-driven solutions that strengthen families and keep children out of the justice system.
We have to be strong and consistent in our actions to move us all forward. For ways to support these imperatives, see the ACT NOW section below.
How do I use this toolkit?
This toolkit is designed to be used by anyone and everyone and is not limited to use during Reconciliation Week, so please explore, enjoy and share widely!
Click the links to jump directly to each section:
- Watch | a range of must-see films, videos, tv series and documentaries
- Read | a brilliant list of books written by First Nations authors
- Play | a specially curated playlist of music by a diverse range Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
- Listen | illuminating, Indigenous-produced podcasts
- Learn | guidelines for cultural consideration and meaningful allyship
- Follow | fantastic First Nations social media accounts
- Wear | ethical fashion and merch to help you demonstrate your values and allyship
- Share | social media tiles and tips for building the reconciliation movement
- Support | First Nations businesses wherever/whenever you can
- Act Now | support Amnesty’s Indigenous Rights campaign now
Watch
Why not gather some community members for a thought-provoking film screening? It’s a brilliant way to engage people in important conversations and see things from a different perspective. For trailers, discussion prompts and tips for hosting a viewing event, click the ‘Firestick Flicks’ links listed below film recommendations.
Content warning: Several of these films contain disturbing depictions of racism, systemic oppression and violence towards First Nations people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should also be aware they often contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
The Australian Wars | available to stream free on SBS on demand (3 x 50-60m episodes) | Click to learn more
The story of the frontier wars in post-colonial Australia has mostly been untold, despite being the longest and perhaps the most defining war in this country’s history. This documentary is essential viewing and features Amnesty International Australia Indigenous Rights Advisor, Uncle Rodney Dillon (Episode 2).
This documentary was featured on Amnesty’s Firestick Flicks film club in 2024.
Please note, the word ‘Aborigine’ is referenced in the documentary which can have negative connotations for many Aboriginal people. It is recommended to use the following terms: First Nations, Indigenous or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. See our Ally Guide under the Learn section below for more.
Audrey Napanangka | available to stream free on SBS on demand (1hr 20m) | Click to learn more
Filmed over ten years in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), this heartwarming insight into the life of remarkable Warlpiri matriarch, Audrey Napanangka, brings to light the extraordinary power of kinship and family in the midst of systemic racism and oppression.
This documentary was featured on Amnesty’s Firestick Flicks film club in 2024.
Living Black: Freedom Rides [Series 22, Episode 2] | available to stream free on SBS on demand (26m) | Click to learn more
Led by Arrernte and Kalkadoon man Uncle Dr Charlie Perkins OA in 1965, thirty members of the University of Sydney’s Student Action for Aborigines group (SAFA), journeyed through western New South Wales to draw attention to substandard living conditions for First Nations peoples and widespread endemic racism in the State’s country towns. This episode of Living Black revisits this monumental journey and true milestone in Australia’s civil rights movement.
This documentary was featured on Amnesty’s Firestick Flicks film club in 2025.
WE ARE WARRIORS – Through the Fire [explicit language] | available to watch free on YouTube (8m) | Click to learn more
This short, hard-hitting documentary was featured on Amnesty’s Firestick Flicks film club in 2024. We Are Warriors is a First Nations-led movement and an Indigenous social enterprise founded by rap artist Nooky (AKA Corey Webster) to showcase Blak excellence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
The Dark Emu Story | available to stream free on ABC iview (1hr 22m) | Click to learn more
In his award-winning book ‘Dark Emu’, author Uncle Bruce Pascoe challenges people to rethink their understanding of Australian history, both before and after colonisation. This thought-provoking documentary explores the impact of publishing the book – and the ensuing attempts to discredit him – had on Uncle Bruce as an Aboriginal man.
This documentary was featured on Amnesty’s Firestick Flicks film club in 2024.
Note: Whilst it is not essential to have read Dark Emu prior to watching this film, it will definitely enrich your experience. So, immerse yourself in the story and let Uncle Bruce challenge the way that you see the world! Available in paperback, audiobook, and there is also a young readers version called Young Dark Emu.
Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky | available to stream for free on SBS on demand (52m) | Click to learn more
Comedian Steven Oliver takes a picturesque journey across Australia, from the cliffs of Kurnell to the Torres Strait, to question Australia’s understanding of its history. Captain James Cook’s landing is reimagined through original music performed by a range of First Nations artists including Kev Carmody, Birdz, Trials, Fred Leone, Mo’Ju, Alice Sky and Mau Power.
This documentary was featured on Amnesty’s Firestick Flicks film club in 2025.
Incarceration Nation | available to stream free on SBS on demand (1hr 30m) | Click to learn more
A confronting examination of the connection between relentless government intervention since colonisation to the trauma and disadvantage experiences by Indigenous Australians – the two key drivers of incarceration.
Intergenerational Trauma Animation – Healing Foundation | available to view free on YouTube (4m) | Click to learn more
A simple yet powerful animation explaining the origins of Intergenerational Trauma, its ongoing impact on individuals and communities today, and the path to healing.
“In Australia, Intergenerational Trauma predominantly affects the children, grandchildren and future generations of the Stolen Generations. Stolen Generations members might also pass on the impacts of institutionalisation, finding it difficult to know how to nurture their children because they were denied the opportunity to be nurtured themselves.”
A real history of Aboriginal Australians, the First Agriculturalists – Bruce Pascoe [TEDxSydney] | available to view free on YouTube (12m 33s) | Click to learn more
“A radically different view of Australian history that we all need to know.” Author of ‘Dark Emu’ (see above), Uncle Bruce Pascoe, uses first-hand accounts captured in colonial journals to dispel the hunter-gatherer myth that asserts Aboriginal people “did nothing with the land that resembled agriculture.”
Disruption is Not a Dirty Word – Dr Amy Thunig [TEDxMacquarie] | available to view free on YouTube (14m 21s) | Click to learn more
Gomeroi person, parent, author and academic, Dr Amy Thunig, talks here about the urgent need to actively disrupt Australia’s colonial systems and share research widely. Amy is also the producer of popular podcast, ‘Blacademia’ (see the Listen section below).
Read
It’s incredibly difficult to shortlist brilliant books by First Nations authors – there are simply far too many must-read recommendations to name here. The following list is just an offering of excellent starting points to your ongoing journey of reading, enjoying and learning.
Remember, sharing is truly caring – in this case, for the process of reconciliation. If you’ve loved something, say something to as many friends, family, colleagues, community members and members of your network as possible. A quick share on social media is an easy way to spread the word!
After Story by Prof. Larissa Behrendt | Click to learn more
‘After Story has everything I want in a book: a lawyer who loves literature; the norms, falsehoods and shame created by our colonised histories (including the literature of the coloniser); and the messy, messy love that ties families together. It’s painful, warm and utterly beautiful.’ – Shankari Chandran
Professor Behrendt offers a comprehensive presentation of the book in this video.
The Queen is Dead by Stan Grant | Click to learn more
‘Stan Grant’s The Queen is Dead is the most profound and interesting book I have read in a long time. It will be regarded as a seminal work on the path of Australians coming to terms with their history.’ – The Newtown Review of Books
Living on Stolen Land by Ambelin Kwaymullina | Click to learn more
‘If you want to know how to be a good ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Living on Stolen Land, is the perfect primer.’
– Marjorie Lewis-Jones, The South Sydney Herald
Day Break by Amy McQuire & Matt Chun | Click to learn more
The story of a family making their way back to Country on January 26, drawing strength from being together by sharing stories as they journey through a shifting landscape.
Welcome, Child! by Sally Morgan | Click to learn more
Sally Morgan’s beautiful and heartfelt celebration of the love we feel for a new child.
Young Dark Emu – A Truer History by Bruce Pascoe | Click to learn more
[see also the Watch section above]
‘This is an important book in the study of Australian history – it provides a new perspective to be read and discussed. It needs to be on every teacher’s reading list and in every school library.’ – Helen Eddy, ReadPlus
Butterfly Song by Terri Janke | Click to learn more
‘Butterfly Song moves from the pearling days of the Torres Strait to the ebb and flow of big-city life, with a warm and funny modern heroine whose story reaches across cultures.’ – Penguin Books
Carpentaria by Alexis Wright | Click to learn more
‘Hailed as a “literary sensation” by The New York Times Book Review, Carpentaria is the luminous award-winning novel by Australian Aboriginal writer and activist Alexis Wright.’ – goodreads
Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko | Click to learn more
‘Too Much Lip is tough, unflinching, warm and funny. As much as it is centred around a funeral and loss, it’s also a story of family and land and history.’ – ABC Radio National, The Bookshelf
The White Girl by Tony Birch | Click to learn more
‘The White Girl manages to be a thing of beauty even while it showcases a period of great horror and shame in Australia’s recent history’ – Melbourne Writers Festival
The Yield by Tara June Winch | Click to learn more
‘Nothing short of a landmark Australian novel, simultaneously timeless and yet urgently a story for now, with sentences that’ll knock the wind out of your gut.’ – Benjamin Law
Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray by Anita Heiss | Click to learn more
‘There are books you encounter as an adult that you wish you could press into the hands of your younger self. Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray is one of those books – a novel that turns Australia’s long-mythologised settler history into a raw and resilient heartsong.’ – Guardian
Talking to My Country by Stan Grant | Click to learn more
‘The acclaimed national bestseller – moving, passionate, deeply felt and powerful.’ – Harper Collins
Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia (Anthology) | Click to learn more
‘This groundbreaking collection from the Growing Up series will enlighten, inspire and educate about the lives of Aboriginal people in Australia today.’ – Black Inc. Books
Walk With Us: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing | Click to learn more
‘Inspired by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Walk With Us is an invitation to go on a journey of learning and appreciation – with family, with friends, and with our nation – together.’ – Allen & Unwin
Tell Me Why: The Story of My Life and My Music by Archie Roach | Click to learn more
‘One of the most powerful and highly anticipated life stories to be told in Australian history. A breathtakingly powerful memoir by beloved Australian music legend Archie Roach – stolen child, musical and lyrical genius and the beating heart of our country.’ – goodreads
Guwayu – For All Times (36 First Nations poets) | Click to learn more
‘The Australian literary landscape needs this bold, brave intervention to wake it up from the 232-year slumber and the dream of the settler mythscape. Guwayu breaks the silence—feel the beauty—hear our words.” – Dr Jeanine Leane
For more ideas, Amnesty staff love exploring Magabala Books because it’s a First Nations-owned and led publishing house offering a wide range of amazing books to lose yourself in.
Play
We invite you to listen to this very special playlist curated by staff at Amnesty International Australia to celebrate Reconciliation Week 2025 (and then enjoy it on repeat forever!).
You’ll find songs spanning every genre; some that get you up on your feet, many that get you right in the heart, and all created by – or featuring – tremendously talented First Nations artists with powerful stories to tell.
Come listen with us! With thanks to Spotify.
Listen
If you love tuning into podcasts that make driving, cleaning and grocery shopping way more interesting, here is a brief recommendation list for you. And if you haven’t jumped on the podcast train yet, this is where you get onboard!
Please note that the views expressed on the following podcasts do not necessarily represent the views of Amnesty International – they are just excellent Indigenous productions to get you listening, laughing, learning and growing. Enjoy and share.
Take It Blak Podcast – NITV | Click to learn more
A podcast from the NITV News Online team, exploring the stories behind the news.
TalkBlack with Larissa Baldwin | Click to learn more
‘TalkBlack the podcast unpacks news, stories and politics from a First Nations perspective and is hosted by GetUp’s First Nations Justice Campaign Director Larissa Baldwin.’
Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles | Click to learn more
‘Sharing cultural knowledge & bringing people together to create change for Australia.’
Yarning Up with Caroline Kell | Click to learn more
‘Yarning Up showcases rich and raw conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, thinkers, creators, business owners, activists and more.’
Frontier War Stories | Click to learn more
‘Frontier War Stories is a podcast dedicated to truth-telling about a side of Australia that has been left out of the history books.’
Decolonise Podcast | Click to learn more
‘A podcast about Blak Sovereignty. A space for us to listen up to our mob, our First Nations voices across the country, and explore what Blak leadership and decolonisation mean.’
Coming Out, Blak | Click to learn more
‘Coming out, Blak is a podcast dedicated to supporting and celebrating First Nations mob in the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve developed this podcast to share stories, and we want you to join us for these conversations!’
Blacademia | Click to learn more
Blacademia is a podcast of yarns with First Nations academics, here on the lands now commonly referred to as Australia.
Word Up – ABC Radio National | Click to learn more
‘The diverse languages of black Australia from Anmatyerre to Arrernte, from Bidjara to Bundjalung, from Nyungar to Ngaanyatjarra, from Yankunytjatjara to Yorta Yorta — one word at a time.’
Grounded + Connected Empowerment with Jarmbi | Click to learn more
‘Colonisation is not the end of the story. What we see now is that all the bloodlines are here – so we can allow the story to play out the way it has been, or we can take control of the story. We’re not able to change the past but we can own the future and there’s wisdom in this for all of us.’
Learn
There are countless paths of learning when it comes to cultural awareness, and the sections of this toolkit are just a few of them. But nothing comes close to listening to and building relationships with First Nations people.
Please read and share the following resources freely so we can stand in meaningful solidarity with Indigenous peoples and Communities to create a universally empowered future.
- First Nations Ally Guide | To help create a rights-respecting society based on meaningful allyship with Indigenous peoples, Amnesty International Australia has developed a comprehensive guide that offers insights, practical information and important clarity on common misconceptions.
Learn more about what being a First Nations Ally means or download our First Nations Ally Guide.
- Community Is Everything | Reconciliation doesn’t last just a week each year! Sign up for Amnesty’s CIE Newsletter for an ongoing celebration of First Nations films, music, books, businesses, and mob who inspire us – and we’ll bring you along the journey of our Indigenous Rights campaign.
You’ll get an email each month to let you know when it’s live.
Follow
One of the quickest and easiest ways to expand cultural understanding is to diversify your social media feed. Here are a few of the First Nations Instagram accounts we love to follow, just to whet your appetite.
Of course, all of these and many more can be found on your other favourite social media platforms – just let your interests guide you to your new go-to Indigenous accounts!
Common Ground | Click to learn more
‘Building on existing community power to strengthen the stories we tell ourselves and others, so we can reimagine stronger futures. Futures that are grounded in reciprocity, justice and truth-telling.’
ID. Know Yourself | Click to learn more
‘Empowering Aboriginal young people in out-of-home care to establish belonging and break the cycle.’
The Healing Foundation | Click to learn more
‘Supporting Stolen Generations survivors, families and communities.’ [See the Intergenerational Trauma video in the Watch section above.]
Clothing the Gaps | Click to learn more
‘We make our clothes with Mob in our heart and everyone in mind. We produce merch with a message and encourage people to wear their values on their tee. We influence and unite people through fashion and causes so that Aboriginal people and Communities can thrive.’
Deadly Connections | Click to learn more
Creating stronger, safer communities and positive pathways.
Dhadjowa Foundation | Click to learn more
‘Support our families
Stop black deaths in custody
Grassroots & Family Governed’
Wear
If it’s some sweet new ally-friendly threads you’re after, we’ve created a taster-list of some of the top First Nations-owned fashion labels and outlets to help get you outfitted. Several offer beautiful artwork, homewares and other super-cool items too.
Please note, Amnesty does not receive any incentives from the following businesses – we just want to share the love. Happy shopping (and sharing)!
- Gammin Threads
- Clothing the Gaps
- Jaana Bulaan
- Haus of Dizzy
- Kirli Saunders
- Ngurrbul Collection
- King King Collective
Share
The more people who engage in Reconciliation Week activities, initiatives and opportunities, the more unified Australia becomes in its evolution as an Indigenous Rights-respecting society.
Help us build momentum by posting a message of solidarity and support on your socials. Here are some things you can share:
- Amnesty’s Indigenous Justice campaign,
- This toolkit,
- Our First Nations playlist,
- Your recommendations for First Nations books, films, podcasts, design/art, social enterprises and businesses!
- Reconciliation Australia’s National Reconciliation Week posters & resources.
Support
Hosting a function? Looking for incredible catering? Need a consultant, creative, carer or…anything at all?
Supply Nation provides Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous businesses – simply search by business name, product, service, area, or category.
Please consider using this portal before making any new hiring or purchasing decisions, it actively supports the development of self-empowerment, sustainability, and healthy systems at personal, community and societal levels. You’ll be amazed at the standard of unique offerings out there – so, as always, share your glowing reviews with anyone and everyone!
Act now
Join us in building a strong, diverse community that actively stands for reconciliation, allyship, compassionate justice reinvestment and demanding that children be kept out of jail cells and free from torturous practices.
Here are some simple ways to take meaningful action right now:
Australia: It’s time to fund justice that works
Sign our online petition demanding justice reinvestment.
Community Is Everything Newsletter
Sign up for our Community Is Everything newsletter to stay up-to-date with campaign developments and be kept in the cultural loop!
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our work on Indigenous Justice.
