Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE)

'They’re not just artefacts or objects, they’re living, living things, they’re ancestors of ours.' Warlpiri Elders and community members, including C23 Fellow Karl Hampton, recently repatriated sacred objects from Germany, returning them to Yuendumu after 52 years away from Country. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/gqXh8Edq

Have you seen the Treaty of Waitangi in the news lately? This founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand, signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, is under threat. The Government's proposal for a referendum on its interpretation has sparked widespread tension, with Māori uniting and rallying against what they firmly believe is an attack on their rights as Indigenous peoples. Tune in to hear from friend of AFSE and guest presenter Lynne Harata Te Aika as she shares her perspective on this important issue.

Damien Miller joined AFSE as one of the inaugural Fellows in 2018. He now leads the organisation as its Executive Director. His appointment earlier this year follows a distinguished 25-year diplomatic career at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). ‘When the opportunity came up to return to the “Atlantic Fellows world” as AFSE’s Executive Director, I leapt at it because my own experience in the program had been profound.’ Read about Damien’s journey to leadership and vision for AFSE here: https://lnkd.in/gTfGWcF7

🌿 2024 Fellows recently returned from module 5 – Powerful Encounters – in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Aotearoa New Zealand. As you can tell from these pictures, this was not your usual classroom! Key Highlights: • Immersive learning and engagement with local communities • Insights from leaders and tangata whenua (people of the land) • Focus on treaties and Indigenous rights, and agreement making This community-based experience equips Fellows to: ✅ Understand how treaties across the Pacific have both supported and challenged Indigenous peoples' rights and self-determination ✅ Design social change strategies that champion Indigenous rights ✅ Navigate treaty and agreement making processes with a deep awareness of Indigenous perspectives and approaches 🔍 Explore the AFSE Master of Social Change Leadership and its Indigenous community-focused and based modules: https://bit.ly/3YhxlJU

A few AFSE Team members and alumni, known as Senior Fellows, are in Bogotá, Colombia this week for a global gathering on planetary health and just transitions, hosted by the Atlantic Institute and Dejusticia 🌎🔍 They've joined a group of about 35 change agents from around the world to build alternative narratives, exchange knowledge and share strategies on crucial environmental issues like the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. The gathering highlights that the AFSE experience doesn't end after the initial year of study! The Atlantic Institute connects seven Atlantic Fellows programs around the world, providing Senior Fellows and program team members with networks, structure and resources to collaborate, learn and take action to tackle the systemic causes of inequity. Explore the AFSE program and find out how to become an AFSE Fellow to drive positive change in your community → https://bit.ly/3UcblyZ

It was wonderful joining the 2024 Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) cohort for Module 5: Powerful Encounters, which took place in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) on the takiwā (territory) of Ngāi Tahu, on Te Waipounamu (the South Island). The module immersed fellows in Māori knowledge systems and social change movements. It was a privilege to hear many remarkable Māori leaders share their inspiring journeys and impactful work. Their open and honest accounts, encompassing both successes and challenges, reflected the resilience required to deliver lasting social change. Thanks to The University of Auckland colleagues Rachael Galway, Associate Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, Professor Melinda Webber and Professor Alison Jones, and everyone else who contributed to the module. Thanks to Kerry Kennell for the group shot!

“One year on from the Voice referendum, AFSE continues to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for Voice, Treaty, Truth. We honour and celebrate the unwavering strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are striving to create a brighter and fairer future for all. Today and for all our tomorrows, we'll continue elevating the work and voices of AFSE fellows, other change agents and partners in our collective efforts to advance Indigenous rights at home and globally” — Damien Miller, AFSE Executive Director

Back in 2018 I accepted a place in the first cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE). I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity but I had no inclination of the impact it would have on my future 🦋 Here I am six years later in Colombia with a collective of Atlantic Fellows social change leaders. Together we’ll create a safe space to share, reflect and have deep conversations on climate and nature equity. Stay tuned for insights at the end of the week 🌱 If you’re interested in our work you can learn more 👇🏽 #Nature #Climate #Equity

Sarah Lynn Rees is the brains behind the design of the AFSE Hub, and the message sticks installation is a central feature of this design. The sticks are the first thing visitors – who come from various lands and cultural contexts – encounter when they enter our welcome space, serving a contemporary role in line with their traditional purpose of connecting people across language and location.

2018 Cohort Fellow, Jody Barney, recently wrote an article on the importance of First Nations cultural sign language systems. Citing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Jody emphasises the need for governments and institutions to uphold the rights of Deaf Indigenous peoples. Give the article a read here: https://lnkd.in/gbnF7c7i