The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Post

🖤🖤 Today on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we come together to raise awareness and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous communities across the globe. Today is not just a day of observance; it is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples and honor their contributions to our world. Indigenous Australians have thrived on this land for over 65,000 years, representing the oldest continuous living culture in the world. The profound significance of this heritage is something that all Australians should honor and celebrate. As we reflect on the significance of this day, we must also call for the reforms necessary to empower Indigenous peoples to take control of our own destiny. It is time for an Indigenous-led and Indigenous-owned approach to the challenges we face—one that places leadership in the hands of those who understand the unique cultural, social, and economic contexts of our communities. The future we seek is one where Indigenous voices are not just heard but are at the forefront of decision-making processes that impact our lives. Today we again call for an independent National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Plan, led by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA), in partnership with our communities across the country. Through this once adopted by all governments we can begin to address the systemic failures of the past and create a more just and equitable future. Let us all work together to ensure that the rights, voices, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples are respected and upheld. This is how we can truly celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples—not just today, but every day. You can learn more about world indigenous day here: https://lnkd.in/gWkZByEY #IndigenousRights #SystemicChange #StructuralReform #InternationalIndigenousDay National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA) Tom Slockee Casey Da Silva Benjamin (BJ) Thompson Emma Shumack

As we observe Australia Day, it's a moment not just of celebration but of profound reflection and solidarity. Today, while many commemorate the founding of modern Australia, we also acknowledge that this day carries a weight of sorrow and a profound sense of loss for the First Nations people. For them, Australia Day represents a history of dispossession, cultural disruption, and the enduring impacts of colonialism. It's a stark reminder of the injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have faced and continue to face. In standing in solidarity with our First Nations, we recognise the importance of reconciling with our past to forge a national identity that is inclusive, respectful, and acknowledges the truth of our shared history. This day should serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue, understanding, and collective action towards healing and unity. The struggles of the First Nations people in Australia find a parallel in the plight of Palestinians, another indigenous community facing displacement and oppression. Both situations remind us of the broader global narrative of indigenous struggles and the universal need for recognition, justice, and self-determination. The stories of these communities, while unique in their contexts, share common threads of resilience, resistance, and the quest for recognition and rights. As professionals and global citizens, it is our responsibility to lend our voices to support all indigenous struggles. This means advocating for policies that acknowledge historical injustices, supporting initiatives that empower indigenous communities, and fostering an environment where the true stories of these communities are heard and honored. On Australia Day, let's commit to a journey of learning, understanding, and action. Let's embrace a national identity that celebrates diversity, champions justice, and seeks to right the wrongs of the past. By doing so, we not only stand in solidarity with our First Nations and the Palestinian people but also contribute to a world where every indigenous community's rights and dignity are upheld. #AustraliaDay #FirstNationsSolidarity #Reconciliation #IndigenousRights

Australia's National Apology Day holds immense significance in acknowledging and promoting reconciliation within the nation. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and working towards healing and unity. On this special day, we come together as a nation to reflect on the pain and suffering experienced by the Stolen Generations and Indigenous communities. It is a time to extend our heartfelt apologies for the injustices that were inflicted upon them. It is an opportunity to recognise the resilience and strength of these communities, who have faced immense challenges since colonistation. By acknowledging National Apology Day, we aim to create awareness and understanding of the need for reconciliation. It is a day to educate ourselves and others about the past, and to commit to a future that is built on respect, equality, and justice for all. Together, we can work towards healing the wounds of the past and building a more inclusive and harmonious society. Learn more here https://buff.ly/3vNQc4Y. #Sorry #Reconciliation #Inclusion #Diversity #Australia #FirstNations #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #SportForAll #InclusiveSport

🖐️ 16 Years On: Reflecting on the National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples 🖐️ This Tuesday, 13 February, marks the 16th anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples for the historical and ongoing pain and trauma caused by the Stolen Generations. 🌱 The Apology signalled a pivotal moment in Australia's reconciliation journey. A commitment to righting the wrongs of the past and forging a future where every Australian, regardless of their origin, has equal opportunities and a stake in shaping our nation's next chapter. 🔍 While the recent Closing the Gap Report delivers a damning assessment of unmet promises by State and Federal governments, it also highlights the necessity of genuine engagement with First Nations Australians. It emphasises the urgent need for the right to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 🤝 As Community Engagement practitioners, we support the 2024 Closing the Gap Report recommendations. Let's embed shared decision-making and capacity-building practices into policies. When affected communities are involved in the decision-making process, we pave the way for better outcomes for all. Together, let’s shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians. Watch Kevin Rudd’s speech here: https://lnkd.in/ehpKMctj #NationalApology #SorryDay #ClosingTheGap #SharedDecisionMaking #CommunityConsultation

27 May to 3 June marked National Reconciliation Week (NRW) which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. The theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’, was a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.’ Each year, the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) impact report gauges the remarkable influence RAP organisations have on reconciliation efforts. Here are just a few of the findings: · Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in leadership positions in RAP organisations increased to 574. · Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Boards increased to 606. · 18,588 formal and informal partnerships between RAP organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gP8kQK_v

As we sit here on the verge of another historical event in South Australian and Australian Aboriginal Affairs, I find myself thinking, and honestly worrying about the backlash, the negativity. I worry about how it is going to permeate throughout society, on social media, in the media in general, and I dread it. I dread it because of the way it impacts on me, and saddens me that our pain as a people, as First Nations Peoples and Communities are going to have our history, the lived experiences of our Old People diminished and be constantly reminded that we should just get over it. So, I wanted to do a couple of things with this post, one, remind all of my, and our, First Nations brothers and sisters, young and old, that this is important. For over 100 years in this country our Old People had no Voice. Remember that we do not just do this for us, we do this for them. They Survived so that we can Thrive. Let us all respect that, be united as it is all of our History, our Story. Second, for all of my Non-First Nations brothers and sisters, stand with us. Walk with us. Respect the pain of our Old People, those who never knew freedom and a Voice in their own land. We are not trying to be antagonistic, or anti anything, we are needing this because we are still so far behind. Our people as a whole are still so far behind. So stand with us. Call out racism and ignorance when you see it, when you hear it. Call it out for our society needs it gone, it only wants to tear down. We need to build up, build better, be better. We have another moment here to shape what kind of society we want, here in South Australia and for Australia. We are righting wrongs, not out of spite but out of our collective acknowledgement that change is needed, and our First Nations Voices need to be a part of the change. Nukkan #VoicetoParliament #southaustralia #forouroldpeople #unite #respect #walktogether #firstnations #southaustralians #australians

Today is the Anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples - a day to acknowledge the mistreatment of First Nations people across the country, who have been forcibly removed from their families and communities. We acknowledge and honour the lived experiences, the strength, and resilience of the survivors of the Stolen Generation and their families We also wish to highlight the ongoing impacts that colonisation continues to have on all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – the multiple layers of oppression and systemic racism experienced by First Nations people has not stopped. There are still injustices that continue today that need to be addressed if we are to achieve more equal outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. First Nations children continue to be removed from their families and put into care, in greater numbers than ever before. In 2014, the Victorian government released a report that found that more Indigenous children are being removed today than at any other time in Australian history – they are 10 times more likely to be in care than their non-Indigenous peers. Although they represent only 5.5 per cent of their age population, they make up 35 per cent of children in out-of-home care. If there is an area in which we need to work together it is in closing the gap on the number of Indigenous children who are growing up away from their families and from a true and meaningful connection to their Country and culture. Image re-posted from @nardurna with permission - see more of their work here www.nardurna.com

Multiculturalism is a foundational part of Australia's national identity. As our nation evolves, so too must our approach to multiculturalism, that is why I welcome this much needed reset to our multicultural framework. By making these changes, we can ensure that multiculturalism and our multicultural policies reflect the Australia of this century, not the last.

This year’s theme Now More Than Ever is a reminder to all of us that, no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue. It’s up to all of us to respect, protect and uphold Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people’s rights, as written in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Now more than ever, we must uphold First Nations people’s enshrined community and individual rights to self-determination. Rights to power and control in decisions that impact Community. Rights to freedom and dignity. Now more than ever, we must protect First Nations children’s right to connect with culture. Because we know that children who are strong in their culture are more likely to develop confidence, emotional resilience, and a positive identity. Now more than ever, we honour and celebrate that Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuous living culture. That despite dispossession, genocide and ongoing discrimination, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold rich and enduring connections to Country, culture and community. Now more than ever, reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we build a future that values First Nations people, history, culture.

January 26 is not a day for celebration. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this date is intertwined with a long history of injustices, dispossession, and cultural suppression and erasure.  It is a day of deep mourning and reflection on the tragic impacts of colonisation; however, it can also be an opportunity for open dialogue and progress towards Reconciliation. Leadership Victoria  calls for understanding, respect and a commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges faced in Indigenous communities. In solidarity with First Nations people, the Leadership Victoria office will remain open on 26 January, with staff working regular hours on the public holiday and taking leave on another day. By keeping our doors open, we aim to encourage an environment of awareness and meaningful conversations about Australia’s shared history.  We encourage the LV community of leaders to contribute in your own communities, organisations and sectors, to stand with First Nations people in fostering an inclusive future where history and culture is celebrated and honoured as part of a reconciled Australia. Read more about our commitment to Reconciliation here: https://lnkd.in/gjsR7QJT