Psychology and reconciliation: Australian perspectives

Australia is engaged in the process of reconciliation. In this paper we arg ue that psychology has a key role to play in the process, and outline a pos ition on psychology and reconciliation. We begin with and overview of recon ciliation and by identifying the some of the factors that have impeded psyc hology's involvement with Indigenous people. We argue that recent developme nts in psychology, such as the rise of narrative and critical psychology, a long with the Indigenous Mental Health Movement, have encouraged the develo pment of specific psychologies aimed at decolonisation, empowerment, and so cial transformation. We suggest that critical awareness and cultural compet ence within a social justice framework are key elements of a psychology com mitted to reconciliation.