Connecting with indigenous Australia
I dedicate this page to a future, where we are one people in Australia with our history acknowledged, all our cultures embraced and the balance and equality restored.
In late 2020, I had the privilege to go on a secondment with Jawun, a non for profit Australian organisation who manages secondees from corporate, government and philanthropic organisations to indigenous partners in urban, regional and remote areas of Australia. “Jawun” means “family” or “friend” in the Kuku Yalanji language of Mossman Gorge, Queensland.
As part of this, I made a podcast series, to take others alongside me on the journey of exploring and learning about First Nations people, their needs and hopes as I was working for and with two indigenous led organisations, the NPY Women’s Council in the Central Region of Australia, and the Kimberley Land Council in the West Kimberley.
Previously, I have found it difficult to connect with the aboriginal community either in person or online and as part of my secondment all of a sudden a lot of connections and links appeared.
To give others the benefits of these, on this page you will find links to resources, stories and places that have ‘touched’ me and made me feel deeply connected with the First Nations people, my own roots, feelings and the world of which I am part.
Let’s walk together in 2 worlds – one Australia:
The Uluru statement from the Heart – In 2017, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders gathered at the National Constitutional Convention with two broad objectives for reform in Australia —the establishment of a First Nations Voice and a Makarrata Commission. With substantive constitutional change and structural reform, they believe their ancient sovereignty can shine through as a fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood. Yes!! Start here to learn about the history, concerns and vision of indigenous Australians.
Tjanpi Desert Weavers – You can find Tjanpi (meaning grass in Pitjantjatjara language) products and weaving kits here in a social enterprise store by over 400 Anangu/Yarnangu women artists from 26 remote communities on the NPY lands (central region of Australia).
Bush Balm – Indigenous Australians have used native plants to treat common ailments and illnesses for thousands of years. Their traditional knowledge inspires these Bush Balm® products, which are made from wild harvested medicinal plants expertly collected on Aboriginal Lands in Central Australia. Irmangka irmangka, Yawirriyawirri and Arrethe have been used for generations to treat aches, muscle pain, joint inflammation, skin conditions and to ease cold and flu symptoms.
List of Indigenous Australian musicians
Jawun – If you have the opportunity and desire to go on a secondment with Jawun, go for it. It will enrich you as a person and you will be contributing to the empowerment of First Nations people.
Gambay: A map of Australia’s first languages – This is an interactive map displaying and promoting the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The map, titled Gambay, translates to “together” in the Butchulla language of the Hervey Bay region in Queensland.
indigiTUBE is the online media platform by and for First Nations people, preserving language and culture for future generations.
More to come as I collect it!