Indigenous Affairs ministers and the Coalition of Peaks gathered in Boorloo/Perth on Friday to push forward on Closing the Gap targets, focusing on urgent reforms in youth justice, housing and healthcare.
Federal Minister Malarndirri McCarthy called on all ministers to support these goals, while Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor Pat Turner underscored the importance of culturally safe, community-led solutions nationwide.
Read the full story 📲 https://nit.com.au/15-11-2024/14885/joint-council-reaffirms-commitment-to-closing-indigenous-inequality-gap
National Indigenous Times spoke with the Director and Consultant at Wave of Change Consultancy, Lateesha Jeffrey, at the NT First Nations Leadership Summit, gathering her insights on the significance of events like these for Indigenous communities.
Jeffrey, a thriving business leader, also shared advice for the next generation of emerging Indigenous leaders, underscoring the value of these spaces in inspiring growth and leadership.
Founder of Yokai, Jim Morrison has long advocated for individuals and families impacted by the devastating policies directed at Aboriginal communities in Australia.
Speaking to National Indigenous Times, Jim opened up about Yokai's Genocide in the Wildflower State, a documentary shedding light on the brutal, state-run systems of eugenics, racial assimilation and social control enforced in Western Australia throughout the 20th century.
Genocide in the Wildflower State provides a platform for truth-telling, and Jim believes its story has sparked vital conversations, underscored by the international recognition and acclaim it has garnered.
Respected Noongar Elder Dr Richard Walley OAM has played a pivotal role in the Wadjemup Project, which aims to establish pathways for truth-telling, ceremonial remembrance and memorialisation.
This project sought to acknowledge the painful history and enduring impacts of the Aboriginal incarceration and segregation that took place on Wadjemup/Rottnest between 1838 and 1931.
Dr Walley, a leading Aboriginal performer, musician, writer and Co-Founder and Co-Director of Aboriginal Productions spoke to National Indigenous Times about the significance of events like the Wadjemup Wirin Bidi Commemorative Ceremony.
On Saturday, hundreds gathered to mark a profound milestone in truth-telling and healing, as the tragic history behind one of the State’s prominent tourist sites was brought to light.
From 1838-1931 Wadjemup/Rottnest was used as a place of incarceration, segregation and forced labour for over 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys who were forcibly taken from regions across Western Australia.
On Saturday, Premier Roger Cook joined many in gathering for the Wadjemup Wirin Bidi Commemorative Ceremony as he apologised for the atrocities that occurred during this time.
Following his apology, Mr Cook made a commitment that his government will work in collaboration with the community to continue the healing and reconciliation journey on the island.
Read the full story 📲 https://nit.com.au/09-11-2024/14769/wa-premier-apologises-for-horrors-perpetrated-against-indigenous-people-on-wadjemuprottnest-history
Queensland's Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry Chairperson, Joshua Creamer has called out the state government’s decision to put the inquiry on pause.
Since beginning its sessions and hearings on July 1, the inquiry has made substantial progress, collaborating closely with communities to uncover the state's true history and pave the way for future healing.
Mr Creamer confirmed the inquiry is now on hold, with its future pending a review after he meets with Minister Fiona Simpson tomorrow afternoon.
He urged the government to step up to the opportunity to listen not only to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but also to the many non-Indigenous Queenslanders and Australians who have shown their strong support for this significant process.
Despite Crisafulli promising the process would be approached with "respect and decency," Mr Creamer has yet to hear from the Premier.
National Indigenous Times has reached out to Crisafulli's office, more to follow.
Systemic disadvantage is being targeted by a joint philanthropic and federal government investment to develop a national not-for-profit organisation designed to help the needs of local communities.
Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) was launched on Wednesday morning at the Gowrie Carlton Learning Precinct in Naarm, with Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth alongside several philanthropic partners, spruiking the new venture.
Yadha Muru Foundation executive director and Gidgee Group Consulting and Partnerships director, Wangkumarra and Barkindji man Sean Gordon, said Aboriginal communities have been leading the way in place-based development "for a long time", arguing PLACE is a chance to "amplify" that work.
Read the full story 📲 https://nit.com.au/30-10-2024/14557/joint-governmentphilanthropic-partnership-aims-target-disadvantage-through-a-place-based-approach
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Senator Lidia Thorpe spoke to the National Indigenous Times about her landmark protest in Parliament, driven by her determination to highlight the ongoing oppression of Indigenous communities.
Senator Thorpe intended to deliver her Uncle Robbie’s writ to the King of England, calling for him to face the International Court over the genocide of Indigenous Australians.
While unable to do so, the Senator made it her mission to ensure the generational pain experienced by many Indigenous people was recognised.
“I can’t stand silent when there are injustices going on against our people,” said Senator Thorpe
Senator Thorpe called for a Treaty to address the wrongs of the past.
“You’re not my King, you’re not our King,” Senator Lidia Thorpe tells King Charles during Parliament House reception.
More to follow.
National Indigenous Times spoke with Labor Senator Jana Stewart about the significant milestone of $10 billion in contracts secured by First Nations businesses. 👏🏾
The Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, who chairs the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, highlighted the positive impact of this news across the community. ↗️
With ongoing inquiries addressing barriers and opportunities, the potential for continued economic prosperity for First Nations communities remains strong.
