Last week was NAIDOC Week, a celebration and recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for this year was Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud which honours the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures passed down through generations. The fire represents sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches this nation. The theme calls for an amplification of voices, standing tall and inviting all Australians to listen, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue and show value and respect towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Not only during NAIDOC, but every week, Emerging Minds is committed to ensuring that the voices of children, families and Community are incorporated into all of our work.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people understand the problems they’re dealing with better than anyone else, along with how best to solve them. But too often their voices and perspectives aren’t valued or even heard. Our fact sheet, Listen to our voices and our stories: Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in decisions that impact them and accompanying podcast were co-created with and include the voices of two Aboriginal young people, Kahli Regan and Tannielle McHugh. They explore ways you can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people by creating space for telling stories and listening, recognising the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and including young people in the decisions that impact them.