The collective voices of a remote First Nations community in Far North Queensland will be further empowered, after the signing of historic allyship principles and allyship agreement between Gunawuna Jungai (GJ) and child protection organisation Act for Kids.
Representatives from the two community organisations travelled to Mount Isa this week to sign the agreements.
Through the agreements Act for Kids will formalise its support and advocate for GJ and the important work it is doing as an Aboriginal-owned and led organisation representing the people of Doomadgee.
GJ CEO Kieran Smith said the alliance with Act for Kids solidifies an invaluable partnership between both organisations and the Doomadgee community, ensuring that the appropriate cultural leaders have the authority to lead their own future.
“The effects of colonisation are not just in the past, they are present and ongoing,” Mr Smith said.
“Intergenerational trauma presents itself in day-to-day life in Doomadgee which is often normalised and reframed as culture.
“Act for Kids and its strong history of identifying and working with trauma has prepared many of the GJ team with the skills and capacity to sit in the reality of disempowerment and trauma with community to find a way through together whilst we address the critical disadvantages.”
Gangalidda Traditional Owner and GJ Founder Barry Walden said the formal allyship agreements would support the cultural authority and self-determination pathway for First Nations people in Doomadgee.
“This is about empowering and enabling First Nations voices to be heard to ensure that decisions that affect them, are made by them for their own future,” Mr Walden said.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said the child protection organisation was proud to be allies with an organisation doing important work with children and families.
“We know Indigenous children are 12 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children,” Dr Lines said.
“Act for Kids has been delivering services in Doomadgee since 2008. We recognise the importance of kids remaining connected to their culture which is why we will continue to advocate for vulnerable First Nations children, where possible to be remain in community.”
GJ Director Atlanta Taylor, Act for Kids Chairman Nigel Harris AM, Mr Smith and Dr Lines signed the formal allyship agreements in Mount Isa this week.
-ENDS-
Act for Kids media contact:
Melanie Whiting
0427 794 666
Melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au