Indigenous voices send vital message on intergenerational trauma

A collaboration of Indigenous voices gathered in Perth to discuss solutions on the impacts of intergenerational trauma stemming from forced removal policies.

There are currently 20,421 indigenous children in out of home care, representing 37.3 per cent of the out of home care population. Since Kevin Rudd’s apology to Stolen Generation survivors, the rate of forcible children has increased massively.

Whilst there are concerns that children being placed in out of home care may experience the same loss of identity and connection to family, country and culture, this should not be cited as a second Stolen Generation.

“Healing is part of life and continues through death and into life again. It occurs throughout a person’s life journey as well as across generations”, said Helen Milroy, Professor at the University of Western Australia and Commissioner for the National Mental Health Commission, when speaking at the National Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing Forum in Perth.

“Healing is not just about recovering what has been lost or repairing what has been broken. It is about embracing our life force to create a new and vibrant fabric that keeps us grounded and connected, wraps us in warmth and love and gives us the joy of seeing what we have created,” said Helen.

The four-day conference, run by Akolade in partnership with Yokai and Two Point Co, focuses on the wider issues relating to social and emotional wellbeing and mental health in Indigenous communities. Tuesday 29 October, kicked off with a pre-conference focused on supporting Stolen Generations survivors.

Indigenous Elders and community leaders from different walks of life and different parts of Australia shared the message that something needs to be done. The impact of previous forced removal policies are impacting today’s younger generations, and Australia’s seeing higher child removal rates than ever as a result.

The impact of intergenerational trauma is profound and growing, and if nothing is done it will continue to tear families and communities apart.

Maisie Austin, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, highlighted the ongoing impacts of forcible removals on Stolen Generations survivors. In order to help survivors of Stolen Generations and their families heal, and stop ongoing cycles of negativity, intergenerational trauma needs to be effectively addressed. It is important that the impacts of forcible removal on families and communities are fully understood in order to find ways forward.

“It’s important to address the impacts that past forcible removal policies are having on today’s younger generations, and to ensure history isn’t forgotten or repeated,” Austin said. Governments, communities and organisations need to collaborate and share knowledge and resources to address these issues. Intergenerational trauma is a growing problem, which can sometimes lead to different issues, such as family breakdowns, resulting in children being placed in out-of-home care.

The remaining days of the conference will see further discussions on breaking down the stigma and shame attached to mental illness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, vital to opening the conversation and enabling better access to services. With cases of Indigenous suicide increasing at an alarming rate, Australia urgently needs to rethink the services currently being offered and implement strategies to increase Social and Emotional Wellbeing.

If individuals and communities can work together and better understand the different constructs of mental health, then a holistic approach to social and emotional wellbeing with culturally inclusive services may be better accessed. It’s important that everyone works together to build trust in services and start the conversation on mental health, because mental health is everyone’s business.

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Written by: Mimmie Wilhelmson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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Indigenous youth mental health on the decline

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report that finds one in three Indigenous youth are experiencing very high levels of psychological distress

A new report has found more than one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are experiencing very high levels of psychological distress.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released its 2018 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adolescent and Youth Health and Wellbeing report, which found that youth mental health is still a leading cause of death among young people.

Manager of headspace Cultural Practice and Diversity, Nathan Bramston, said: “There is a huge demand for social and emotional wellbeing and mental health support to meet the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

“Twenty per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in rural areas with 49 per cent of that figure living in the Northern Territory and it is in these areas where there is a lack of mental health services for these young people.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that suicide is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, accounting for more than 40 per cent of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth deaths.

In 2017-18, headspace reported that 7,084 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people visited a headspace centre – which is close to 1,000 more than 2016-17.

The report found almost two in three young Indigenous people aged 15-24 experienced one or more personal stressors. The most common stress was not being able to find employment, followed by a death of a close friend or family member and serious or mental illness.

Over one in three Indigenous young people also reported they were being treated unfairly both in and outside educational settings because they were Indigenous.

“Some of the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people face when help-seeking can be attributed to the effects of intergenerational trauma from past policies and events,” Bramston said.

According to Bramston, there can also be a language barrier when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people try to seek help, as some remote communities speak English as a second or even third language.

Bramston said headspace was working to reduce the stigma around seeking mental health services and were trialing outreach programs where headspace workers visit troubled youth in their communities. The organisation is also implementing educational and employment programs for youth in Indigenous communities.

Still interested? Stay tuned for information on upcoming conferences and summits by following us on Facebook @ Akolade Aust 

Written by: Naomi Neilson

Recently graduated with a Bachelor in Communications with a major in Journalism and Public Relations, Naomi Neilson has jumped straight into the world of media and press with Third Sector. She is motivated and passionate to explore the industry and thrives on creating an interactive and social platform for Third Sectors unique readers.

In her free time she can be found either watching the footy or designing her next big art piece around sourcing stories and engaging with new people.

Follow me on LinkedIn for information regarding future Akolade events as well as future blog posts @ Naomi Neilson

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Post Conference Media Release: National conference maps the future for Indigenous education

Media Release

12 September 2018

National conference maps the future for Indigenous education

Education leaders from around the country have mapped a reform pathway to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the tools they need to navigate through life as part of the 2nd National Indigenous Education Forum, held in Perth.

More than 30 community and government leaders from around Australia presented their thoughts and plans for the future of Indigenous education, with international guest speakers also attending the conference from New Zealand and Hawaii. 

Forum Chair Curtin University’s Elder-in-Residence, Professor Simon Forrest, said building trust and collaborative relationships with communities, families and Elders was the key to ensuring successful indigenous education reform.

Professor Forrest said the forum was working towards a future where all Indigenous young people gained a full understanding of their history, enabling them to connect it to their future.

“My vision for the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education is the existence of a situation where healing of the past takes place daily and our culture is embedded within all aspects of the curriculum and the education system,” Professor Forrest said.

“My hopes are for an education system where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are fully engaged by having our culture completely embedded in the system, creating an environment that inspires our students to achieve in all aspects of life. 

“I also envisage students, family and the community working together as the driving force behind the implementation of a culturally celebratory space that encourages our students to thrive and develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate both worlds.” 

Professor Forrest said the conference delegates were also encouraged to use the Coolangatta Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Education, which represents a collective voice of Indigenous people from around the world who support fundamental principles considered vital to achieving education reform, as a guiding principle to influence the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. 

“Delegates were also encouraged to use the outcomes from the forum to endeavour to influence change to ensure Indigenous children are successful at school,” Professor Forrest said. 

The 2nd National Indigenous Education Forum was held in Perth from August 22 to 24. 

For more information about the forum, visit here. 

Ends…/

Notes to Editor:

Interviews with Professor Forrest about the 2nd National Indigenous Education Forum are available. 

Media contacts:

Professor Simon Forrest, Curtin University

Tel: (08) 9266 3130 | Mobile: 0431 659 022 | Email: S.Forrest@curtin.edu.au

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Community engagement key to educational success

Overall the education targets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Children are not on track, according to the 2018 Closing the Gap report.

Neither attendance rates nor literacy and numeracy skills are on track, with school attendance rates appearing to have stagnated and have even gone backwards in the NT from 70.2 per cent in 2014 to 66.2 per cent in 2017.

Whilst the gap in literacy and numeracy skills has narrowed, only Year 9 numeracy is on track across all states and territories.

Despite the negative statistics, some schools are seeing some amazing results, and one of the key reasons for this is the schools’ relationships with the community and families.

It’s not just about teaching children in the classroom, but also getting the support from, and engaging, families, Elders and the community as a whole, and allowing them to have a say in their children’s education. When the family is engaged in their children’s education, so are the children.

Charlie (Wilbur) Klein is the principal of Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School, located over 600 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie in WA. He was earlier this year shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize award for his incredible contributions to his students and community.

Having worked in regional and remote education for the past 20 years, Klein has developed an effective leadership style in which he incorporates the whole of community. Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School now operates on a school-community agreement, which includes teaching on country and including other people’s skills and knowledge.

Klein will share the successes of his work at the upcoming National Indigenous Education Forum, held in Perth on the 22-24 August.

Other education leaders sharing their work include;

John Rangiteremauri Heremia, Principal at Te Wharekura O Rakaumanga, who will be sharing the evolution of Maori education

Lionel Bamblett, from the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association, who will share how they collaborate with community and government bodies to see systematic and sustained change

Taffi U‘ilei Wise from Kanu o ka ‘Aina Learning ‘Ohana in Hawaii who will speak about Native Hawaiian Charter School Alliance’s  education model

Ricky Grace, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Girls Academy, will speak about how to get the community involved in the school.

Visit the National Indigenous Economic Development Forum’s website for more information: https://akolade.com.au/events/2nd-national-indigenous-education-forum/

Still interested? Stay tuned for information on upcoming conferences and summits by following us on Facebook @ Akolade Aust 

Written by: Naomi Neilson

Recently graduated with a Bachelor in Communications with a major in Journalism and Public Relations, Naomi Neilson has jumped straight into the world of media and press with Third Sector. She is motivated and passionate to explore the industry and thrives on creating an interactive and social platform for Third Sectors unique readers.

In her free time she can be found either watching the footy or designing her next big art piece around sourcing stories and engaging with new people.

Follow me on LinkedIn for information regarding future Akolade events as well as future blog posts @ Naomi Neilson

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Leaders gather to improve the wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people

People from across Australia’s health organisations, government bodies and Aboriginal communities gathered for the 2nd National Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum in Perth on the 21-23 of February.

During the three-day conference, over 35 community leaders shared their stories on the growing problem of mental health issues amongst Australia’s Indigenous population, and they shared their case studies on how these challenges can be tackled.

Ngaree Ah Kit, Assistant Minister for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health and Disabilities and Assistant Minister for Seniors and Youth in the NT opened day one of the conference and was followed by Maria Baker from Te Rau Matatini in New Zealand, who shared an overview of their current work.

Other presenters on day one also shared their stories on how to engage with communities and Elders to see improved outcomes for people with mental health issues.  

Day two was opened by Josie Farrer MLA, Member for Kimberley. Her passion and personal connections to the topic made for a powerful presentation, which was highly regarded among the attendees.  

Another highly appreciated speaker on day two was Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation in Canada. Alvin shared his peoples’ similar struggles and how they work to improve the wellbeing within their communities.

Other presenters shared case studies on how to strengthen the resilience within communities and how to develop community-driven approaches to tackle the high suicide rates. Other presenters discussed the importance of youth and how to effectively engage youth in the community.

The forum enabled participants to network and share stories with others from the mental health sector and provided an empowering environment with new energy to keep up the work to improve the wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

Written by: Mimmie Wilhemson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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Why mental health needs a bigger focus in Australia’s prisons and detention centres

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are outrageously over represented in Australia’s justice system.

According to the Human Rights Watch Report 2018, Indigenous children and youth are 25 times more likely to end up in the juvenile justice system compared to non-Indigenous youth.

About one quarter of Australia’s prison population is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, Indigenous people only make up three per cent of Australia’s total population.

The Human Rights Watch Report also reports that over half of Australia’s prison population has a disability, which often includes mental health issues.

However, as prisoners don’t have access to Medicare, it’s up the states’ health and justice budgets to accommodate for prisoners’ needs.

Leaders from across Australia will come together to speak at the upcoming National Indigenous Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum in Perth on the 21^st-23^rd February, to share their thoughts on the growing mental health crisis.

Some of the speakers include Ngaree Ah Kit, Assistant Minister for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health and Disabilities and Assistant Minster for Seniors and Youth in the NT, Josie Farrer, Member for Kimberley, Aunty Cheri Yavu-Kama-Harathunian from the Indigenous Wellness Centre, Gerry Georgatos, Suicide Prevention and Prison Reform Researcher and Mervyn Eades from Ngalla Maya.

They will, together with other presenters, share their stories, case studies and practical strategies on how to change the statistics and improve the mental wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

Speakers will also discuss the correlation between mental health issues and imprisonment, and discuss the importance of appropriate support within jails and detention centre as well as post-release.

It’s time to change the statistics, and that starts with everyone taking action.

Written by: Mimmie Wilhemson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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The gruesome reality inside NSW mental health units

 Photo: ABC News

A recent review into the conditions inside NSW mental health units has revealed the shocking reality for mental health patients.

The report, led by NSW chief psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright, was commissioned by the State Government earlier this year following shocking revelations of the death of Miriam Merten in 2014 at a NSW hospital.

CCTV footage showed how Merten had been locked into a dark room without any food or water, naked and chemically restrained. She fell and hit her head more than 20 times and was later found dead.

The inquiry told of how “consumers and carers described services that traumatise and show a lack of compassion and humanity.”

“Many reported feeling dehumanised and stripped of their sense of autonomy, agency, dignity and human rights,” the report stated.

According to Dr Wright’s review, patients were placed in seclusion units almost 3,700 times in NSW during the last financial year.  The average lock-up length was five and a half hours and rooms were often deemed as unhygienic and patients were left without access to bathroom.

“Some consumers and carers reported that seclusion and restraint were used as a threat or a punishment; as a means of enforcing compliance and obedience,” the report stated.

“This form of coercive compliance has more in common with custodial correction systems than it does with a therapeutic setting .”

The report made the recommendation that there’s a great need to address the cultural problems within NSW emergency. Patients were often met by discriminating and unprofessional attitudes from staff.

The review identified seven key themes for improvement:

• Culture and leadership
• Patient safety
• Accountability and governance
• Workforce
• Consumer and carer participation
• Data
• The built and therapeutic environment

Written by: Mimmie Wilhemson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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Leaders gather to improve academic outcomes for Indigenous students - National Indigenous Education Forum 2017

People from across Australia’s schools, Indigenous communities and government bodies gathered for the National Indigenous Education Forum on the 18th-20th of October.

During the three days, over 30 community leaders shared their stories and case studies on how to improve academic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The Hon. Eva Lawler, Minister for Education in the NT opened day one of the conference with an overview of the NT government’s initiatives to support and improve the education sector in the NT. Delegates also heard Clément Chartier from Métis National Council in Canada share his story on his peoples’ battle in gaining recognition from the government.

Other presenters on day one also shared their stories on how to engage with communities, elders and families to see improved outcomes for students and emphasised the importance of ensuring the community is part of the decision making and is the driving force behind the education in the area.

Day two was opened by Selena Ubio, Member for Arnhem in the NT and Assistant Minister for Remote Education and Families as First teachers. Her energy and passion was infectious and gave attendees a great insight into what it’s like teaching in remote areas.

Another highly appreciated speaker on day two was Noel Pearson, founder of Cape York Partnership, who advocated for the importance of Indigenous independence and the need for Indigenous public schools.  Grant Congdon, Principal of the Horowhenua College in New Zealand, shared his story on how they’ve managed to see their Maori students excelling academically.

Other presenters shared case studies on how to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, build cross-sector partnerships and support students during transitions into further education, employment and adulthood.

The forum enabled participants to network and share stories with others from the education sector and provided an empowering environment with new energy to keep up the work to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Written by : Mimmie Wilhelmson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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It starts with education – creating brighter futures for our youth

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities remain disadvantaged in several areas, with one of the main components being education. 

Earlier this year; the ninth Closing the Gap report showed that little progress has been made over the years.

The school attendance rate has dropped marginally from 83.5 per cent in 2014 to 83.4 per cent in 2016, whilst the goal to halve the gap in literacy and numeracy skills remain far off track.

The number of Indigenous 20-24 year-olds having achieved Year 12 or equivalent increased from 45.4 per cent in 2008 to 61.5 per cent in 2014-15. However, the poor educational outcomes see a high unemployment rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as a range of social issues such as poverty and poor health.

Indigenous education is a crucial topic that requires and demands more attention, discussion and action. Leaders from across the country will gather in Darwin for the NationalIndigenous Education Forum on the 18^th to the 20^th of October to discuss strategies to enhance the quality and access of education to change the current situation.

Speakers include:

• National leader Noel Pearson
• Canadian First Nations leader Clément Chartier from the Métis National Council
• Horowhenua College’s principal Grant Congdon from New Zealand
• As well as national primary and tertiary education providers and government departments

During the three-day conference, speakers will share their stories and case studies on engaging communities, families and elders in the children’s education and improving student engagement to see higher attendances rates and better academic outcomes.

Speakers will also discuss methods to create culturally safe and stimulating learning environments, prepare students for transitions into higher education, employment and adulthood, and how to build cross-sector partnerships.

Whilst there remain significant gaps in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths, the forum provides an important opportunity for collaboration as we join forces to solve this crisis.

Written by : Mimmie Wilhelmson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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Takeaways from the National Indigenous Economic Development Forum

Rex Angie, Director, Narungga Investment Company and Karen Diver Former Special Adviser to President Barack Obama on Native American Affairs and Former Chairwoman of the Native American tribe Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Empowerment was the key takeaway from the 4^th National Indigenous Economic Development Forum in Cairns 28-30 June.

Speakers from across Australia shared stories that gave delegates practical strategies while also inspired them to keep fighting to overcome hurdles, to work together, and to improve financial and employment outcomes within their communities.

The international key note speaker, Karen Diver, Former Special Adviser to President Barack Obama on Native American Affairs and Former Chairwoman of the Native American tribe Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa received standing ovations from the delegates.

Ms Karen shared the struggles and achievements in Native American tribes’ fight to become financially independent and be recognised by the government.

Herb Smith from Dreamtime Tuka in New South Wales was another speaker who greatly moved the audience. Mr Smith started his business from scratch and has in short period of time become a  leading supplier of bush food products. One of the company's achievements is its successful partnership with Qantas to deliver bush food products on flights.

Although the message of Indigenous economic development remains the same, it is vital to come together to keep fighting for improved outcomes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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Leaders to gather in Cairns to discuss Indigenous Economic Development

Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and its people remain disadvantaged in several ways. But the urge to keep fighting for better life prospects remains strong. People from across the nation will travel to Cairns to join forces.

One of them is Karen Diver; Former Special Adviser to President Barack Obama on Native American Affairs and Former Chairwoman of the Native American tribe Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Ms Diver told how “Indigenous communities world-wide share many commonalities towards achieving self-sufficiency. Exploring best practices and where we can learn from each other is always valuable.”

One of the main issues is around economic development. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia suffer from poor conditions with not enough financially successful businesses and few employment opportunities for its people.

But economic development is a complex interrelated issue which cannot happen as a programme initiative, said Ms Diver.

“It is best rooted in an environment that is holistic including education, housing, equity and other underlying support systems.”

Ms Diver will be travelling from the US to Cairns to deliver a keynote presentation at the National IndigenousEconomic Development Forum between 28^th – 30th June. Ms Diver will be sharing her knowledge from working towards economic development within Native American communities.

“There is a wide spectrum among the 567 Native American Tribes on their path to economic development. Some Tribes are land rich, but lack access to population centres, and others have more social capital to draw from.  We'll explore more at the conference what these differences mean as far as strength and weaknesses in economic development.”

But mostly, Ms Diver is particularly looking forward to engaging with and celebrating the Aboriginal culture.

If you’re interested in joining Ms Diver as well as other Indigenous leaders from across Australia, visit: https://akolade.com.au/events/4th-national-indigenous-economic-development-forum/

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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Leaders gather in Uluru to discuss constitutional recognition

Indigenous communities around Australia are suffering from poverty and neglect.

Despite the fact that this for long has been a known issue and the government keeps coming up with various strategies and plans, the problem continues.

Hundreds of members from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have come together for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention in Uluru this week, to discuss constitutional changes.

The aim is to establish what recognition means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. The information will then inform a final referendum that will be handed to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Labor’s Linda Burney, the first Indigenous woman elected to the lower house, recalls to when she was ten years old in 1967, the year when Indigenous Australians were first allowed to be counted in the process.

Now, as a politician, she has another opportunity to drive change.

"Our job as politicians and as the parliament will be to receive the report, receive the outcomes of Uluru and work with those outcomes in terms of putting forward constitutional reform, the question and the timeframe for a constitutional referendum," Burney said according to News.com.

"The time has come in this country for Australia to finish the job of truth-telling in terms of our referendum, recognising aboriginal people, removing the race powers and looking at the other issues that come out of Uluru," Burney continued.

As leaders meet to discuss a rigorous principled approach, with a focus on the already existing variety of legal arrangements for Indigenous people across Australia. Since 1901, only eight out of 44 referendums have succeeded.

“We have a synthesis of the twelve dialogues from around the country, and we’ve pulled out of that some guiding principles … that will underscore the discussion,” said Pat Anderson said, Referendum Council co-chair, according to the Australian.

Amongst them, she said, was the crucial principle that “we will not do anything that abrogates our sovereignty”.

Specifically to discuss driving economic independence through strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises and practical employment strategies, Akolade brings you the 4th National Indigenous Economic Development Forum, returning to Cairns this 28-30 June 2017. 

Join us to hear from leaders across sectors and across the nation on strategies to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and communities, create sustainable job opportunities and effective pathways into employment.

Written by: Mimmie Wilhelmson

Mimmie grew up in Sweden and first came to Australia as a backpacker after high school. After travelling around the country for two years she returned to Europe and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in London. But the longing for Australia and the sun became too strong. After having worked for some time in the media industry, Mimmie decided to make a change and swap the news for conferences. She now gets to do what she loves the most, meeting new people and keep learning about cultures and issues while producing conferences on current topics.

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