Reconciliation – A Personal Journey of Culture, Connection and Shared Vision

May 29, 2026

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Written by Saretta Fielding

Reconciliation Begins with Connection

For me, reconciliation has never simply been a professional commitment or a national conversation. It has always been deeply personal.

My journey with reconciliation began long before Reconciliation Action Plans existed, before Reconciliation Australia was established, and before reconciliation became part of the language regularly used across organisations and businesses in Australia.

In the early 1990s, I had the opportunity to be involved in consultation processes where government sought feedback from Aboriginal communities about what reconciliation could and should look like for our nation. Those conversations were grounded in truth-telling, listening, relationship building and hope for future generations.

Culture, Identity and Connection to Country

Growing up with an Aboriginal father and a non-Aboriginal mother meant that reconciliation was something I experienced internally from a very young age.

Like many Aboriginal Australians navigating two worlds, there can be an ongoing process of understanding identity, belonging, connection and cultural pride.

Growing up on Awabakal Country surrounded by family, community and culture gave me strength and grounding. I was fortunate to grow up within a large close-knit Aboriginal family where storytelling, connection to Country and caring for community were simply part of everyday life.

Sitting around listening to Elders, Aunties and Uncles sharing stories, learning on Country and being connected to our traditions shaped who I am today.

These experiences created a deep sense of pride in my identity and connection to culture.

Reconciliation Through Art & Collaboration

Over the years, I have had the honour of delivering Reconciliation Action Plan artwork projects across Australia, partnering with organisations including Accenture, Stockland, Arcadis, NSW Health Infrastructure and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Innovate RAP

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Economic Inclusion & Shared Opportunity

One of the areas I remain most passionate about is economic inclusion for Aboriginal communities.

I strongly believe that reconciliation must create tangible opportunities for Aboriginal people, not only culturally and socially, but economically.

Through community partnerships, creative collaboration and business opportunities, reconciliation can become a pathway toward empowerment, sustainability and long-term change.

This vision has guided much of my work through Saretta Art & Design and my broader community involvement.

Yarnteen & Leadership in Reconciliation

As a founding Board Member of Yarnteen Ltd, I have had the privilege of witnessing the organisation’s long-standing commitment to advancing economic inclusion, opportunity and reconciliation for Aboriginal people and communities.

Yarnteen holds a significant place in Australia’s reconciliation journey as the first Indigenous organisation to pioneer Reconciliation Australia’s first RAP framework in 2007.

This work helped lay important foundations for the reconciliation movement we continue to build today.

Reconciliation for Future Generations

Throughout my career, I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with schools, health organisations, infrastructure projects, sporting organisations and corporate partners through workshops, public art, RAP development and cultural design projects.

Each collaboration has reinforced the importance of listening, learning and walking together with shared purpose.

I remain hopeful about the future because I continue to see people and organisations willing to learn, connect and walk alongside Aboriginal communities with respect and openness.

Every conversation, every artwork, every collaboration and every act of understanding contributes to something greater, a shared future grounded in respect, inclusion and connection to Country.