News ReconciliationStories about ’s journey to equality and unity

Truth-telling Why we must look back to move forward

Licence to thrive Driver training helps tackle over-incarceration

NPY Women’s Council Putting culture at the heart of governance

MONTANA AHWON KIMBERLEY GIRL HEADS TO THE UNITED NATIONS

39 May 2018 Reconciliation News is a national magazine produced by twice a year. Its aim is to inform and inspire readers with stories relevant to the process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-.

CONTACT US JOIN THE CONVERSATION

www.reconciliation.org.au/get-involved/ www.facebook.com/ReconciliationAus

[email protected] twitter.com/RecAustralia

02 6273 9200 @reconciliationaus

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges the Traditional Reconciliation Australia is an independent, not-for- Owners of Country throughout Australia and profit organisation promoting reconciliation by building recognises their continuing connection to lands, relationships, respect and trust between the wider waters and communities. We pay our respects to Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Islander peoples. Visit reconciliation.org.au Elders both past and present. to find out more.

Cover image: Montana Ahwon (by Landi Bradshaw) Issue no. 39 / May 2018 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES 8 Don’t keep history a mystery 10 What is the role of truth-telling in reconciliation?

10 UN honour for Kimberley girl Youth advocate attends United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

12 There’s no better model How the NYP Women’s Council puts culture at the heart of governance

14 The power of positive relationships Listening is the key to success for award-winning school

16 On the road to opportunity Driver training program provides mobility and helps tackle over-incarceration

22 Weekend wanderings Eight places you can go to learn about 12 20 country, history and culture

REGULARS 4 Reconciliation recap

6 CEO column

7 Calendar

18 In conversation 18

20 Style 4 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

RECONCILIATION RECAP

SIX MONTHS IN REVIEW

Queanbeyan Public School and Explore and Develop 27 November 2017 Penrith South took out the inaugural Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Awards for excellence in reconciliation within the education education awards sector. Singing songs in First Nations languages, learning to tackle racism, and blogging about the use of Indigenous practices in the classroom were among the host of reconciliation actions celebrated at the awards ceremony at the . The Narragunnawali Awards – held in partnership with BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities – celebrate the efforts of an outstanding school (and two finalists) and an outstanding early learning service (and two finalists), as selected by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education experts.

25 January 2018 Australian of the Year Awards celebration 15 December 2017 NT Royal Commission A particularly strong field of Final Report Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander finalists for the 2018 Australian of the The Royal Commission’s final report on youth detention and child protection in Year Awards was recognised at a the Northern Territory was released, outlining a range of measures necessary coinciding national event to celebrate to correct the disturbing flaws in the Northern Territory’s child protection Indigenous success. Reconciliation and youth detention systems. Reconciliation Australia welcomed the Australia’s annual Australian of the recommendations and called on the federal and state governments to take Year Awards breakfast recognised a justice reinvestment approach to urgently needed reforms. Reconciliation the efforts of seven Aboriginal Australia CEO Karen Mundine said that a shift in policy and spending, away or Torres Strait Islander finalists, from incarceration and towards prevention and early intervention, was needed including three of the eight finalists to reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in youth for the main award category. Their detention. contributions span fields such as health, education, justice and cultural engagement. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 5

Harley Windsor became the first 6 February 2018 Aboriginal man to represent Australia First Indigenous Winter Olympian at a Winter Olympics when he competed at the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Windsor is from and has Ngarrable, Weilwyn and Gamiliaraay roots. He and his partner, Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya, fell short of the medal competition in the pairs figure- skating program but finished ahead of entrants from Israel, Austria, Japan and hosts South Korea.

8 February 2018 13 February 2018 19 March 2018 Ten years since the Committee to investigate 10-year review Apology constitutional recognition

The campaign It was 10 years ago today that The Australian Parliament appointed released a highly critical 10-year then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd a joint select committee to work review of the 2008 Council of gave a historical and deeply towards a successful referendum Australian Governments’ Closing moving speech, known today as on constitutional recognition of the Gap strategy. The strategy was the Apology. The speech was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander created under the Rudd government addressed to the First Nations peoples. The committee will to reduce inequalities in health, Peoples of Australia, in particular examine the recommendations of education and employment between to the , for the Referendum Council report, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander many years of mistreatment and Uluru Statement, the Committee on and non-Indigenous Australians. The discriminatory policies orchestrated Constitutional Recognition’s report review – produced by a coalition of by the Australian Government. of 2015, and the 2012 final report non-government organisations – of the Expert Panel on Recognising called for Australian governments Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to rebuild the foundations of the Peoples in the Constitution. An strategy in order to achieve the goal interim report is due by 30 July, and of health equality by 2030. a final report will be handed down on 29 November. 6 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

CEO COLUMN

It’s been a big start We apologise for the Building a deeper understanding of to the year. The Australia’s history is the aim of National nation marked the laws and policies of Reconciliation Week 2018. This year’s 80th anniversary successive parliaments theme is ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery: of the Day of and governments that have Learn. Share. Grow.’ We are inviting Mourning (26 inflicted profound grief, all Australians to learn more about January) and the suffering and loss on these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 10th anniversary cultures and histories, to share that of the Apology (13 February), and our fellow Australians. knowledge and to help us grow as a Reconciliation Australia welcomed its – then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, nation. 1000th Reconciliation Action Plan 13 February 2008 partner. Historical acceptance is one of five I, together with other members of the interrelated dimensions that together Reconciliation Australia has long Reconciliation Australia team, was represent a holistic and comprehensive advocated for a more inclusive date on honoured to attend the 10th anniversary picture of reconciliation, as outlined in which to celebrate our national day. This National Apology breakfast at Parliament Reconciliation Australia’s landmark State year, we were bolstered by the scale of House. That evening we also attended of Reconciliation in Australia report. public support for changing the date the public ‘Apology 10’ concert, We see historical acceptance as shown at events around the country. We featuring Archie Roach and other fundamental to achieving progress in are seeing growing public interest in the Australian artists. These events provided the remaining four dimensions – equality history of 26 January and the reasons guests with an opportunity to reflect on and equity, unity, race relations and this anniversary is not one of celebration what Australia has achieved with the institutional integrity. Australians need for all Australians. Apology. Additionally, they reminded to accept and understand our shared us that, while there is still much to be On 13 February, thousands of history, and to address the ongoing done, we have the capacity to fulfil the Australians joined events across impact of past wrongs, so we can move commitments made in 2008 by creating the country to celebrate one of forward together. a future based on mutual respect. Australia’s most significant public acts of reconciliation – the 2008 National In the months ahead, Reconciliation Apology to the Stolen Generations. Australia will continue to advocate for the aspirations set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart: truth-telling, agreement-making and a First Nations voice enshrined in the constitution.

Stay with us on this journey. Encourage your friends, colleagues and family to join us too. With your support, we can create a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

Karen Mundine CEO, Reconciliation Australia

RECOGNISING RECONCILIATION: Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine, Narragunnawali Awards judge Peter Buckskin and Boon Wurrung Elder Aunty Carolyn Briggs at the Narragunnawali Awards at the University of Canberra on 27 November 2017. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 7

CALENDAR

SPECIAL DAYS EVENTS

Australian Aboriginal history and culture Cairns Indigenous Art Fair tour When: 13–15 July 26 When: 24 May Where: Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, Cairns, May Where: Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Queensland Price: $32.75 Price: Free National Info: botanicgardens.sa.gov.au Info: ciaf.com.au Sorry Day Barunga Festival – celebration of remote Tower Hill bush walk and wildlife Indigenous community life experience When: 8–10 June When: Until 20 December Where: Bagala Road, Barunga, Northern Where: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Tower Hill, 27–3 Territory Victoria May June Price: $54 Price: $22.95 Info: barungafestival.com.au Info: towerhill.org.au National Reconciliation Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Reconciliation Day Eve concert Week When: 10–12 August When: 27 May Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin Where: Canberra Theatre, Canberra Price: Free Price: $34.95-$54.95 8–15 Info: darwinaboriginalartfair.com.au Info: canberratheatrecentre.com.au July Colony: Australia 1770–1861 / Frontier Reconciliation Day – community festival Wars – exhibition When: 28 May NAIDOC Week When: Until 2 September Where: Glebe Park, Canberra Where: National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Price: Free Square, Melbourne Price: $4.50 NAIDOC Women’s Conference Info: ngv.vic.gov.au When: 11–12 July Where: University of NSW, Kensington, Sydney Bush Mechanics: The Exhibition 4 Price: $175-$350 August When: Until 15 July Info: ngiyani.com/naidoc Where: Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, National Aboriginal Melbourne Museum, Carlton, Victoria NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony and Torres Strait Price: $15 When: 13 July Islander Info: museumsvictoria.com.au Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney Children’s Day Price: $185 Bangarra’s Dark Emu – contemporary dance Info: naidoc.org.au When: 15 June–15 September Supply Nation Connect – supplier diversity 9 Where: Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and forum and tradeshow August Melbourne When: 22–23 May Price: $45–$99 Where: International Convention Centre and the International Day Info: bangarra.com.au of the World’s Star Event Centre, Sydney Indigenous Price: see website Peoples Info: supplynationconnect.com.au 8 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

TRUTH-TELLING CENTRAL TO RECONCILIATION PROGRESS

National Reconciliation Week is just around the corner. In keeping with this year’s theme – Don’t Keep History a Mystery – Reconciliation News takes a look at the role of truth-telling and historical acceptance in moving the nation forward.

Truth-telling about past injustices has Strait Islander delegates around the The same report cites former Governor- long been used in the international country – as necessary initiatives. As a General Sir ’s strong sphere as a starting point for coming to delegate from Darwin stated: rationale – originally delivered in the terms with a period of conflict, upheaval inaugural Vincent Lingiari Memorial or injustice. Formal processes of truth- “Australia must acknowledge its history, Lecture in 1996 – for why coming to telling, such as truth and reconciliation its true history … the massacres and the terms with the past is fundamental to commissions, have been used more wars. If that were taught in schools, we reconciliation. “The past is never fully than 30 times since the 1970s in might have one nation, where we are all gone,” he said. “It is absorbed into the 1 countries around the world. These together.” present and the future. It stays to shape processes promote awareness of the The Referendum Council’s proposal what we are and what we do.” historical and ongoing impact of past builds on a considerable history of Building on the foundations laid by the actions, and encourage all sides to forge advocacy for a process of truth-telling ahead in a reconciled and peaceful way. Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, about Australia’s history. The Council Reconciliation Australia’s 2016 State In Australia, there is growing momentum for Aboriginal Reconciliation discussed of Reconciliation in Australia report to establish a truth-telling commission the topic in its final report, delivered articulated the need for truth to be a that would result in an honest and full in 2000 following a nine-year process pillar of the nation’s journey towards understanding of colonisation, and the of community consultation about how unity and equity. The report identifies dispossession and trauma that First Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander historical acceptance as one of five Nations Peoples were subjected to in and non-Indigenous Australians could interrelated dimensions needed to the following years. The Referendum move forward together. The report found progress reconciliation. Historical Council, which was established to there was “a strong desire within the acceptance requires all Australians to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australian community to make amends acknowledge and accept the shared Islander peoples about their views on for the past, to recognise and value the and often difficult truths of our past, so constitutional recognition, highlighted unique status of Aboriginal and Torres that we can create a just, equitable and the importance of truth-telling in its 2017 Strait Islander peoples, and to work reconciled Australia. final report. Truth-telling was one of three towards a future where all Australians recommendations supported at each of enjoy their rights, accept their the council’s 18 dialogues – attended responsibilities, and have the opportunity 2 by a total of 1200 Aboriginal and Torres to achieve their full potential.”

1 Final Report of the Referendum Council, 30 June, 2017, p. 17. 2 Final Report of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, December, 2000, Chapter 1. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 9

ULURU STATEMENT: Mutitjulu elder Rolley Mintuma and Pat Anderson from the Referendum Council with a piti holding the Uluru Statement from the Heart, during the closing ceremony in the Mutitjulu community of the First Nations National Convention held in Uluru, on Friday 26 May 2017.

Many Australians are open to taking this step, according to Across the country there are many other examples of local the findings of the 2016 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. councils and communities highlighting in public space the The survey, which Reconciliation Australia conducts biannually histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations Peoples. to measure progress towards reconciliation, found that 68 per cent of Australians accept that government policy Also important are efforts to establish the historical facts of enabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to be our past – such as University of Newcastle Professor Lyndall removed from their families without permission until the 1970s. Ryan’s research project on frontier violence between 1788 Similarly, 64 per cent of Australians accept that Aboriginal and 1960. Professor Ryan has recorded and – for the first and Torres Strait Islander people were subject to mass time in the world – uncovered corroborating evidence of more killings, incarceration, forced removal from land, and restricted than 150 massacres of Aboriginal people, which are now movement throughout the 1800s. While these statistics have documented in an online digital map. grown since the 2014 Barometer, they indicate that about a The importance of the growing movement for truth-telling third of Australians are yet to accept fundamental aspects of and historical acceptance is perhaps summed up best by our shared history and the treatment of First Nations Peoples. Professor Pat Dodson. The founding chairperson of the Separate yet related to formal truth-telling processes is the Council of Aboriginal Reconciliation and current Australian role of public space in raising awareness of historical facts. Labor Party Senator for Western Australia wrote in the Until recently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history had foreword to the 2016 State of Reconciliation in Australia report been all but absent from the public landscape, in terms of that there is a “schism” between how Aboriginal and Torres monuments, memorials and statues. Placemaking plays an Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians important role in our collective memory: it reminds us of our understand the impact of our nation’s history on the current history, our values and our identity. While our public spaces circumstances of Indigenous communities. He concluded: are full of statues that depict colonial figures, they have “There is a discernible lack of appreciation by settler Australia been mostly silent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait leaders about the grievances and sense of historical injustice that and contributions to our nation. However, this has started to Indigenous people feel. This must be addressed for Australia change in recent years. to be reconciled.”3

This year, ‘Wirin’ statue in Perth’s Park was installed to National Reconciliation Week is a great opportunity to commemorate Aboriginal warrior Yagan, who was a Whadjuk engage with the theme of historical acceptance and better Noongar leader and a resistance fighter during the early years understand how truth-telling can play a critical role on our of the Swan River Colony in Western Australia. This followed journey to become a reconciled nation. To learn more or the 2015 erection of the ‘Yininmadyemi – thou didst let fall’ to find a National Reconciliation Week event near you, monument in Sydney’s Hyde Park, to pay tribute to Aboriginal visit reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week. and Torres Strait Islander people who served in the military.

3 The State of Reconciliation in Australia report, 8 February, 2016, Foreword. 10 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

SKY’S THE LIMIT: Montana Ahwon takes a break near her home in the Kimberley region a few days before jetting off to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Image by Landi Bradshaw. YOUTH ADVOCATE FROM THE KIMBERLEY TACKLES THE BIG ISSUES

In the face of adversity, Montana Ahwon is doing everything she can to create opportunities for young people in Australia’s remote north-west corner.

It was a few days before her 20th birthday when “It still hasn’t sunk in.” Montana Ahwon received an invitation to attend the pre-eminent forum on issues facing Indigenous The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues peoples from around the world. The humble youth is the UN’s central coordinating body for matters advocate from Kununurra, in far northern Western relating to the concerns and rights of the world’s Australia, says she was shocked to receive an Indigenous peoples. The forum holds a high-level email from the Australian Government inviting her session once a year, providing the opportunity for to be one of a handful of Aboriginal and Torres Indigenous peoples and member states to share Strait Islander Australians to participate in the 17th knowledge and discuss issues related to economic Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum and social development, culture, the environment, on Indigenous issues, to be held at United Nations education, health and human rights. The forum (UN) Headquarters in New York. is committed to working with governments and Indigenous peoples to implement the United “When I first saw the email, I thought it was a Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous scam,” she tells Reconciliation News a few days Peoples. before she is due to fly out. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 11

“It made me question: why isn’t there much out here for our youth or our people?” she says.

Ahwon says she was thrilled to get the Somehow finding the strength to get youth suicide in the region prompted a call and jumped at the chance to attend. back on track, she re-enrolled in the multi-stage coronial inquiry in 2017. hospitality pre-employment program Ahwon and fellow forum participant, “I’ll soak up as much knowledge and as and got excellent results. She went Jacob Corpus, delivered the many stories as I can,” she says. on to secure a traineeship at the Hotel forum’s report – including a series of “And [I’ll] see if I can have some yarns.” Kununurra and complete a Certificate recommendations – to the federal II in Hospitality. In recognition of her government. Ahwon and Corpus were Despite her surprise at being invited professional success in the face of then invited to sit on a working group to attend the forum, there are plenty adversity, Ahwon won the 2016 NAIDOC overseeing the three-year Kimberley of reasons why Ahwon stands out as Apprentice of the Year Award. She says Suicide Prevention Trial. an advocate for First Nations Peoples. she was shocked to hear her name In the past few years she has won the called out but managed to deliver an Ahwon had another opportunity to NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year Award, impromptu speech that received a highlight issues affecting youth in worked as a social worker with Save the standing ovation from the audience. her region when she was selected Children and advised state and federal as a youth delegate to the federal governments on issues affecting youth “They called my name. I thought, ‘this government’s Indigenous Advisory in the Kimberley. What makes her efforts doesn’t sound right’,” she says. Council earlier this year. Asked about the issues affecting young people in her even more impressive is the adversity “I got up there and I really surprised she has overcome along the way. town, she identified a lack of education myself because I didn’t prepare a and employment opportunities as key Just a few years ago, Ahwon was in a speech… I got up in front of probably concerns. She hopes these issues very different place. After stints at four 1500 people, and my speech put people will be addressed in the government’s boarding schools, she dropped out for to tears. I got a standing ovation. It was ‘refresh’ of its Closing the Gap good at the age of 15. She enrolled in a one of the best moments of my life.” framework. hospitality pre-employment program, but It was receiving the award that made withdrew after the death of the man she When it comes to longer-term Ahwon realise that she “had to make aspirations, Ahwon isn’t sure yet what calls ‘dad’ – her adoptive father. He was a difference”, she says. She then a family friend and raised Ahwon from the future holds. But as long as she completed the Kimberley Aboriginal is advocating for young people in her the age of two, following the death of Youth Leadership program, which she her biological mother. region, she knows her dad would be credits as a formative experience. The proud. “On [my mother’s] deathbed, she asked program gave her the chance to learn dad if he could look after me. He wasn’t about culture, history and politics, and “My dad, he always passionate about too sure about it at first… but they were got her thinking about the issues in her our people, and I remember him always gonna send me to a group home, so town. saying to me [that] he wanted to have a dad raised his hand,” Ahwon says. big block of land with a big house and all “It made me question: why isn’t there the kids could come and stay,” Ahwon They were an unlikely pair – she a much out here for our youth or our says. Miriwong Gajeroong girl and he an Italian people?” she says. Her work exposes her to distressing and man who drove taxis in Kununurra – but “There wasn’t anything that was helping, over the years they formed a deep bond. unjust situations, but the memory of her or working as well as it should be.” dad’s love – and the ongoing support “It was just me and him growing up. So I After losing her cousin to suicide, Ahwon of others in her community – keeps her was really lost [after he died].” helped organise the Kimberley Aboriginal strong. “And then finally I woke up to myself and Youth Suicide Prevention Forum in 2017. “My dad was my inspiration,” she says. said ‘I gotta do this’.” Suicide rates among Aboriginal people in the Kimberley are among the highest “It was a strong love he gave me... in the world, according to the World Because of that, I know who I am.” Health Organisation. Alarming levels of 12 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

DESERT ART: Tjanpi Desert Weavers PUTTING CULTURE AT THE Naomi Kantjuri (from Amata, South Australia) and Maringka Burton HEART OF GOVERNANCE (from Indulkana, South Australia) harvesting minarri grass. Image IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA by Rhett Hammerton.

Aboriginal leader Andrea Mason speaks to Reconciliation News about the importance of Indigenous governance and the work of Indigenous Governance Award-winner Naanyatjarra Pitjantjatjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council.

Naanyatjarra Pitjantjatjatjara Tjanpi Desert Weavers is probably the and social wellbeing of women and Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s most widely known initiative of the families in the region. Their work has Council is a prime example of what women’s council. The social enterprise been instrumental in key developments, can be achieved when Aboriginal and was set up more than 20 years ago to including the introduction of non- Torres Strait Islander-led organisations enable NPY women to earn a regular sniffable Opal fuel in central Australia have the opportunity to put culture income from selling their fibre art. and improved access to protective at the heart of their governance. The Today, Tjanpi represents more than measures for victims of domestic organisation works to improve the 400 Aboriginal women artists from 26 violence. Today, the women’s council social determinants of health in central remote communities and homelands. delivers a range of services, including Australia and has become a major The women’s multi-coloured woven a domestic and family violence service, provider of human services since it was baskets and quirky animal sculptures are programs for youth, child and family established almost 40 years ago. It exhibited in national galleries around the wellbeing services, family support, aged operates across the NPY lands, which country and have won several awards, and disability services, a cross-border span the 350,000-square-kilometre including the major prize in the most respite service and the award-winning tri-state central desert region where prestigious Indigenous art competition Ngangkari traditional healers project. Western Australia, South Australia and in Australia – the National Aboriginal the Northern Territory converge. It’s and Torres Strait Islander Art Award – in Key to the organisation’s approach an area where traditional Indigenous 2005. is that its directors and members put practices “dominate thinking and culture at the centre of everything they decisions in homes and organisations”, Tjanpi may be the best-known project do. In Australia today, Aboriginal and according to NPY Women’s Council of the women’s council, but it is only Torres Strait Islander peoples live under CEO Andrea Mason. one of many initiatives they coordinate two forms of governance: their own to strengthen the cultural, economic and that of non-Indigenous Australia. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 13

By balancing these ways of working, practicing effective two-way governance. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The judging panel noted that the guiding peoples can maintain cultural identity principles enabled the women’s council and self-determination, while ensuring to be driven by and preserve traditional their governance models accord with values, while improving living standards the requirements – such as financial through the provision of direct services and legal accountability – of the wider in NPY communities. society. Since winning the award, the women’s LEADING LADY: NPY Women’s Council CEO “Before white fellas came to Australia… council has become a lead organisation Andrea Mason. Image by Hannah Millerick (Business Chicks). the NPY people, they had their own in the Empowered Communities governance and business models,” initiative. It has also partnered with Mason explains. Jawun, a non-profit organisation that The importance of subsidiarity is not enables corporate and government only about improved outcomes in the “And so what we have is a modern partners to send skilled staff for up near term, but also about demonstrating iteration of that happening. So some to three months to help build the to potential future Aboriginal and Torres things have not changed, but the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Strait Islander leaders that there are women have incorporated the new ideas Islander organisations. Cultivating this opportunities for them to contribute and that have come in [since colonisation]. partnership with Jawun has become a make a difference in their communities. “An example of this is the increasing critical activity in their business model, because it enables the women’s council “We have to always seek to increase understanding of trauma and its the number of Aboriginal people leading impact on individuals and families, and to tap into skillsets that it doesn’t have within its staffing structure. and delivering in local communities,” she the women thinking of how they can says. empower their communities to prevent While external support can help grow and reduce the impact of trauma, using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led “This is because of the principle, ‘until a strengths-based approach, including organisations, Mason says it is essential you see it, you can’t believe it’. Young leveraging cultural knowledge”. to recognise the primary role of local people are inspired in this way, and we want them to say, ‘that’s where NPY Women’s Council adheres to six people in developing their own solutions. This approach is reflected in the principle I’m going to be, because I see it – it’s guiding principles that are drawn from happening and it’s possible’.” women’s law and culture. The guiding of subsidiarity: that action should rest at role of the principles – of shared values the closest level possible to the people This year, Reconciliation Australia and culture – was a primary reason or organisations the action is designed and the BHP Foundation are proud the women’s council won the 2012 to benefit. to run the awards for the first time Indigenous Governance Award (IGA) “There’s no better model than someone in partnership with the Australian (Category A). Established in 2005, the from their own community who is an Indigenous Governance Institute, IGAs publicly recognise and celebrate example of the change that you’re a national centre of governance outstanding Aboriginal and Torres seeking to create in those communities,” excellence. Applications for the 2018 Strait Islander-led organisations and she says. Indigenous Governance Awards can projects that use effective governance be made online at to make extraordinary contributions reconciliation.org.au/iga to communities and the nation by until Saturday, 30 June 2018.

Indigenous governance NPY Women’s Council guiding principles Indigenous governance involves: The guiding principles of the NPY Women’s Council are: • Indigenous-led solutions developed in response to local • ngapartji ngapartji kulinma munu iwara wananma conditions and circumstances; tjukarurungku: respect each other and follow the law • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the driver’s straight seat and making decisions; • kalypangku: conciliatory • culture as a source of strength and innovation; • piluntjungku: peaceful and calm • flexibility to tailor responses to local conditions; • kututu mukulyangku: kind-hearted • innovation to find new paths forward; and • tjungungku: united • long-term, sustainable solutions. • kunpungku: strong 14 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

WINNING SCHOOL: Queanbeyan Public School students with kindergarten teacher Alanna Raymond in front of a mural created by an Aboriginal artist and the school community.

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY WORK TOGETHER ON RECONCILIATION

The winner of the schools category in the inaugural national awards for reconciliation in the education sector is demonstrating the power of positive relationships between school staff and local Aboriginal communities.

The classroom was often a frightening Aunty Louise gets teary as she Aunty Louise volunteers her time as place for Aunty Louise Brown. describes these difficult memories to an advisor to Queanbeyan Public The Ngunnawal elder grew up on Reconciliation News. But she says they School. The school – which launched in Cowra. She also serve as her inspiration to help its Reconciliation Action Plan earlier remembers walking long distances make sure school is a more positive this year – strives to encourage unity to get to school, only to experience experience for Aboriginal children by building relationships based on indifference and contempt once she was growing up today. mutual understanding. By sharing inside the school gates. It was common her knowledge with staff and for Aboriginal children to experience “I just want the best for our children… students, Aunty Louise helps the racism in school at the time, she says, because you didn’t have that when you school understand cultural protocols, which led many to drop out early. were young. You just got, ‘sit down over demonstrate respect for traditional there’,” she says. country and work towards reconciliation. “The teachers weren’t very good back in those days,” Aunty Louise says. “We “I think a lot of the others can relate to “I always say to non-Aboriginal people, were actually scared of them.” that too. We had hard times, but we got come along on the journey with us and through it. learn,” she says. “And that’s why a lot of kids left school even before they got to high school.” “And now we want to see our children “Because it’s not just our culture, it’s all carry on and be someone, so they can Australians’ culture.” show the rest of Australia that they can do it.” Issue no. 39 / May 2018 15

In 2017, Queanbeyan Public School “I was looking for staff members to “She is so proud and so happy to come topped the schools category in the support me to promote Aboriginal to school,” she says. inaugural Narragunnawali Awards for education. reconciliation in the education sector. “Everyone is wonderful and it really The judging panel praised the school “We had our disagreements [within the makes you proud to be a part of this for forging strong relationships with school] and there were tears. And that’s school.” Aboriginal community members. These what happens when change happens. But Mrs Hawes was backing me.” Schools interested in getting more relationships help to ensure Aboriginal involved in reconciliation could consider and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Today, the school strives to advocate joining their local Aboriginal Education histories and cultures are an integral reconciliation by embedding Aboriginal Consultative Group, according to part of the school environment. School and Torres Strait Islander histories and kindergarten teacher Alanna Raymond. principal Kym Hawes agrees that “being cultures into its daily practice. Cultural Teachers, parents and interested able to listen” is key to the school’s perspectives are integrated into learning community members can attend their approach. across the curriculum, and students local group meetings, where Aboriginal For the past decade or so, the school learn about current affairs and issues community members provide advice has been on a journey that has grown its that are of particular significance to on education and training from an approach to reconciliation. Hawes says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal perspective. Raymond says it was a conversation with her colleague peoples. One of the most popular anyone who wants to get more involved Rosemaree Whitehead that made her initiatives is the daily acknowledgement in reconciliation should start by simply realise the school should do more of country that two or three students having a conversation. deliver over the school’s public address than give children access to Aboriginal “Don’t be afraid to reach out,” she says. cultural experiences. system each morning. The students enjoy it so much that some want to “Sometimes taking that first step is the “She said … ‘what about the past, what write their own acknowledgements, biggest and most important step. about history?’. Rosemaree asked us to Hawes says, instead of using the version go back so that we could go forward,” they’ve been provided. “And you don’t have to change she says. everything all at once.” The school has worked hard not only “It is harder to do that … but we’re all to increase knowledge and awareness For Aunty Louise, being involved with the better for it. We really are a better among all students, but to build positive Queanbeyan Public School has made it school for having done that.” relationships with Aboriginal students clear how much has changed since she and their parents. Aboriginal children was young. She says she is heartened Whitehead says Hawes provided the at the school participate in regular by the progress and reckons the country leadership that was necessary to steer meetings where they talk about their is heading in the right direction. the school through this transition period. responsibilities and the importance “It’s all different today,” she says. “I loved what I did … but I was quite of looking out for each other. This isolated,” she says. environment makes Aboriginal children “Everybody’s trying to contribute and feel proud of who they are, according to that’s the way to go. Janelle Foster-Britton, whose daughter, Mia, is in year five. “It’s all happening now. It’s gotta just keep going.”

Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program supports all schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions. Narragunnawali’s online platform is free to access and provides learning and curriculum resources to support the implementation of reconciliation initiatives. Visit narragunnawali.org.au LEADING THE WAY: Queanbeyan Public School principal Kym Hawes has led the school’s to find out more. reconciliation efforts. 16 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

IN TRAINING: Kamilaroi woman Paula takes ON THE ROAD part in a driving lesson through the NRMA Learner Driver Mentor TO OPPORTUNITY Program.

Driver training programs not only improve access to the opportunities that mobility brings. They can also play a part in reducing the disproportionately high imprisonment rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, NRMA Group CEO Rohan Lund tells Reconciliation News.

Getting a driver’s licence is about more NRMA Group CEO Rohan Lund says than just being able to drive a car. A THE NEED TO DRIVE there is a strong link between driver licence enables a person to help their Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait licensing and access to education, family, contribute to their community, Islander people live in regional and employment, health care and other and access opportunities for education, remote areas where public transport is essential services, as well as important training and employment. But Aboriginal either limited or non-existent. Kamilaroi social interactions. and Torres Strait Islander people face woman Paula – whose last name has “A licence is a life-changing tool that systemic barriers that can prevent been withheld for privacy reasons – helps break the cycle of unemployment, them from obtaining and holding a says it took her an hour and a half to social isolation and disadvantage,” he driver licence. And when people feel walk the distance between her two says. compelled to drive without a licence, workplaces before she completed the they risk coming into contact with the NRMA program and obtained a driver “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander criminal justice system. licence. Paula, of Wagga Wagga, says people who hold a driver licence it was expensive to get a taxi from one To help address these issues, the have a higher chance of getting full- job to the other, but she was left with no NRMA partners with community time employment or graduating from choice whenever there was only a short organisations to provide licensing university, and are twice as likely to have break between her shifts. support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait a trade or certificate.” Islander people. The NRMA Learner “It was just so stressful,” she says. Driver Mentor Program reflects the NRMA’s commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, as part of its Reconciliation Action Plan. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 17

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “The NRMA believes there is a significant people are under-represented among UNLICENCED DRIVING opportunity to reduce the incarceration licence holders and can face significant Unlicenced driving is a significant rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait challenges to gaining a licence. This is contributor to the over-representation Islander peoples through driver training largely a result of the licencing system of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs,” he says. being unresponsive to the particular people in the prison system. Often it “Ensuring people are equipped for the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait starts with a person’s licence being driving task is also key to delivering on Islander people. It can be difficult for suspended or cancelled for not paying a the NRMA’s commitment to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fine, before snowballing into a conviction fatalities and serious injuries on our people to access supervised driving for driving while disqualified, which roads.” instruction because of a lack of can result in a prison term. In NSW, for unrestricted driver licence holders and example, unlicenced driving accounts registered cars in some communities. for one in 20 custodial sentences DRIVER TRAINING Other prohibiting factors include the imposed on Aboriginal people and is The NRMA Learner Driver Mentor cost of lessons, a lack of access to the sixth most common reason for Program assists learner drivers to customer service centres, poor literacy, imprisonment, according to data from access registered vehicles and volunteer and difficulty accessing identification the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and driving supervisors, accrue driving documents. Research in 2015. hours, and gain the experience and knowledge needed to get a P1 licence. For Paula, the costs associated with The Law Council of Australia has More than 30 Aboriginal and Torres graduated licencing – designed to recommended that sentences of Strait Islander people have graduated reduce road trauma and deaths by imprisonment for relatively minor from the program so far, and 92 per cent expanding learner and provisional offences, including driver offences, of these graduates have transitioned licence requirements – presented major should be abolished. These laws into employment. The NRMA is currently hurdles. Some form of graduated disproportionately affect Aboriginal partnering with the Australian Red Cross licencing is in place in all Australian and Torres Strait Islander people to provide licensing support to another jurisdictions. Under the NSW graduated and can result in punishment that is 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander licencing program, new drivers must disproportionate to the offence, the people. pass multiple tests and accumulate council wrote in a 2017 submission to up to 120 hours of supervised driving the Australian Law Reform Commission. Paula says gaining her licence through practice during the learner phase, which the program has been “life-changing”. Lund says driving training programs can cost several thousand dollars in “I was happy and I was crying,” she can play an important part in reducing petrol and training fees. says of the moment she found out she incarceration for driving offences, while passed her test. “I couldn’t afford to get my [learner] also making our roads a safer place for licence and to go for my Ps as well,” everyone. “I yelled out… ‘Yes, I passed!’ And [I Paula says. remember] the lady beside me going, ‘shhh”, and I said: “Don’t shhhh me. Praise the lord, I got my licence!’,” she says.

Paula says getting her licence opened up many new opportunities. Most importantly, it allowed her to travel to Orange more frequently to see her family.

“Before I had my licence, I would probably see my family once or twice a year,” she says.

“Nothing is better than being face-to- face with your family, and that’s a big thing for me.”

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Paula says learning to drive has changed her life. 18 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

A Yawuru man from Broome in Western Australia, Professor Dodson became Australia’s first ordained Aboriginal Catholic priest in 1975.

He was instrumental in the inception – and was the founding chairperson – of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, the first statutory body set up to promote a process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and and the wider Australian community. He also served as a Royal Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and Co-Chair of the Expert Panel for Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians. He is a winner of the Sydney International Peace Prize.

In 2016, he was appointed as an Australian Labor Party Senator for Western Australia.

He was recently nominated as the co-chair of a joint select committee on constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which will deliver an interim report by 30 July and a final report on 29 November 2018.

You were born to an Aboriginal mother and non-Indigenous father in Broome in 1948. How did your experience of growing up in these circumstances inform your views and motivations?

Firstly, I was born prior to the 1967 referendum and so the question of the views that people had about Aboriginal IN CONVERSATION: people were very draconian overall in the society. They were very much still the ‘dying race concept’ and if they PAT DODSON weren’t the dying race then somehow Aboriginal peoples were seen as inferior. Professor Pat Dodson is often described as the Not only inferior intellectually but inferior in terms of skill development, in terms ‘father of reconciliation’. He has dedicated his of acquisition of the complexities of a life’s work to improving relationships between Western society and relegated to some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians position lower to the worst white fella in society. and non-Indigenous Australians. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 19

You’ve spent much of your adult What is one thing you wish more What is the best way for non- life advocating for reconciliation. Australians knew or understood Indigenous Australians to support the What do you consider to be the about the road to reconciliation? rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait single most pivotal stride toward Islander peoples? I think the one thing I’d like is for people reconciliation in that time? Why? to overcome the fear: the fear of each You’ve got to go out and make those I think the setting up of the Council for other, the fear of difference and the fear connections with Indigenous people, Reconciliation was an acknowledgement of change … It would be a great thing if understand that they’re human beings that unless the Australian public had we changed our mindsets about each and that their aspirations for a good life some way of interfacing and engaging other… and if we did try to find common are not that different to anyone else’s. with Aboriginal peoples beyond what ground with people rather than simply But understand that they also have they read in the newspaper … then being defensive or overly sensitive to these historic grievances against the there would be very little progress … criticism at times, but also only offering Crown because of the way they have So [the Council] was trying to build criticism and condemnation isn’t very been treated and their ancestors have bridges around that; trying to build helpful either. So finding ways to work been treated. Let’s resolve those and understanding of the human matters together around developing the best then look forward as to how we that were in common between people interest for the development of human re-express our relationship. and not just the things that divided beings and the creation of a decent civil us – and that gradually led to the society. Where do you think reconciliation will more complicated discussions around be in 20 years? How much further terra nullius, conquest, land rights, What advice would you give to will we have come? the next generation of Indigenous compensation and those issues. In 20 years’ time, I think we will have leaders? gone a lot further than where we What do you think is the most crucial Don’t lose sight of why reconciliation is a are. I think sometimes you think that advancement toward reconciliation critical factor. Don’t just see it as a task – everything is dark and dismal and the that is yet to be accomplished? it’s got to become a mission of people’s right will get hold of this and take us The most crucial matter that needs to be lives, and people have got to work for it into some intolerant type of society. I resolved these days is how to recognise across many fronts: at the very practical think the better side of human beings First Peoples in the Constitution and levels, at the institutional levels, at the will always rise to the fore and stand up how to give that recognition some club levels, work levels, but also at the against fascism and dictatorships and practical expression either through political level. In the meantime, try and intolerance and injustices. I think people national legislation or some other enjoy life because if you don’t enjoy life will become more aware of why the means. then you’re not going to be much good historical legacies need to be resolved in to anyone else. You’ve got to enjoy life order for contemporary outcomes to be Since becoming a senator in 2016, but be constructive, disciplined and improved. have you found it more possible to focused as you try to get things done – affect change from inside the political don’t despair about not achieving them. system (as opposed to lobbying from the outside)?

Not really. Being a senator of a party, that doesn’t inhibit you, but it does mean that you’re now part of a political party that has a bigger and broader agenda beyond just First Nations affairs. What we’ve been able to do is set up a First Nations Caucus Committee, which has the capacity to influence the Labor Party’s policies and strategies and goals when it comes to our responses to government legislation and government approaches to First Nations people; and also to promote positive policies to our party around the bigger issues like treaty-making, agreement-making, truth and reconciliation issues that come out of Uluru and about possible national CELEBRATING CULTURE: Reconciliation Australia co-chair Professor , Arnold Bloch Leibler partner Peter Seidel, Professor Pat Dodson and Indigenous leader Noel Pearson at the entities and constitutional change. 2015 Garma Festival in Gulkala, near Nhulunbuy in north-east Arnhem Land. 20 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

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If you would like your products to feature in the next issue of Reconciliation News, please contact us at [email protected] 22 Issue no. 39 / May 2018

8 PLACES TO LEARN ABOUT COUNTRY, CULTURE AND HISTORY WITHIN REACH OF A CAPITAL CITY

Some of the most famous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred Nanguluwurr Gallery sites – like Uluru – are a long way from Traditional Custodians: Bininj/Mungguy where most Australians live. But there Location: Kakadu National Park, near Jabiru, are plenty of opportunities to learn about 300 kilometres south-east of Darwin country, history and culture a bit closer to Info: parksaustralia.gov.au home. Reconciliation News has compiled a list of sites – one from each state The Nanguluwurr Gallery is at the end of short walk on the and territory – that are within reach of northern side of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), a region known Australian capital cities. There are many for its World Heritage rock art. For thousands of years it more you can find by doing your own was a major camping site for Aboriginal people, as it lies on research. When visiting any site, make the main walking route from the escarpment country to the South Alligator floodplain. The small site offers depictions of sure you: ancestral spirits and animals, as well as a two-masted sailing • check whether you need permission ship that represents early contact between Aboriginal people from the Traditional Custodians; and Europeans.

• look for signage and follow any instructions; Yagan Memorial Park

• be respectful of the laws and customs Traditional Custodians: Whadjuk Noongar of Traditional Custodians; and Location: Lot 39 West Swan Road, Belhus, 30 kilometres north-east of Perth • follow marked routes, do not remove Info: swan.gov.au objects and be careful not to cause damage. The park commemorates the life, death and spirit of the great Ngoongar leader and warrior, Yagan (c. 1795–11 July 1833). Visiting museums, art galleries, Yagan was a warrior and resistance fighter during the earlier national parks, cultural centres, public years of the Swan River Colony. After Yagan was killed, his monuments and other sites is a great ‘kaat’ (head) was taken to England. way to expand your knowledge – and have fun at the same time. So grab some friends or family members and go Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park explore. Traditional Custodians: Nganguraku Location: Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, near Nildottie, 170 kilometres north of Adelaide Info: environment.sa.gov.au

Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park is a dreaming place rich in cultural and archaeological significance. The park is situated along the banks of the Murray River and features a magnificent cliff face that preserves significant Aboriginal engravings, petroglyphs and artefacts. You’ll also see ancient campsites and scarred river red gums, which reveal the ancient practice of canoe-making. Issue no. 39 / May 2018 23

Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh Location: 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, 90 kilometres south-east of Brisbane Info: jellurgal.com.au

The centre is home to an array of culturally significant artefacts and sites, including an ancient midden. Visitors can hear dreamtime stories associated with Burleigh Mountain (Jellurgal) and meet a traditional owner.

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place Traditional Custodians: Guringai Location: Brisbane National Water Park, near Kariong, Central Coast, 70 kilometres north of Sydney Info: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

The art site, located in Brisbane Water National Park, is home to a range of well-preserved engravings of the Guringai people. The name Bulgandry belongs to the large engraving of a man depicted with a headdress, who is thought to represent an ancestral hero. Other engravings include depictions of animals – including kangaroos, fish, dolphins and birds – as well as hunting activities and a bark canoe.

Bunjil Shelter Yankee Hat Traditional Custodians: Djab Traditional Custodians: Ngunnawal Wurrung (Tjapwurrung) The First Tasmanians: Location: Namadgi National Park, Location: Black Range Scenic Our Story 70 kilometres south of Canberra Reserve, Black Range State Park, Info: environment.act.gov.au near Stawell, 230 kilometres Traditional Custodians: Panninher north-west of Melbourne and Leterrermairrener Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are home to the only Info: parkweb.vic.gov.au Location: Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Launceston, currently know Aboriginal art sites in the Shelter is widely regarded as 200 kilometres north of Hobart ACT. Carbon dating of deposits from the Yankee Hat rock shelter suggest it was one of the most significant cultural Info: qvmag.tas.gov.au sites in south eastern Australia first used by Aboriginal people more than because it features the only known This permanent exhibition presents 800 years ago. Some of the Yankee Hat rock art painting of Bunjil, the creator and explores the history and culture figures represent animals and other have and ancestral being. Bunjil appears of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. an abstract human-like form. in many of the creation stories of the It features rarely seen original objects Aboriginal people of south eastern and examines climate change, Australia and is known by different astronomy and stories of creation, names across this area. craft, technology and architecture. Visitors can hear 40,000-year-old creation stories and view rarely seen objects such as basketry by Turganini, who lived through the mass killing of Tasmanian Aboriginals. 27 May - 3 June National Reconciliation Wee 2018

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