Canberra, Australia: Tomorrow will see the gathering of over 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child development, safety and welfare representatives in Canberra on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.
Across three days, from 12-14 September 2017, the 7th SNAICC National Conference will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, policy makers, researchers, government representatives, other non-government organisations and industry representatives to come together to drive positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
I think the most important thing the SNAICC National Conference offers is a space for so many of us working to create positive change to share our knowledge and experience, and to learn from one another.”
– Sharron Williams, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Chairperson
The SNAICC National Conference is the largest of its type in the southern hemisphere – with more than 1000 delegates attending over 70 concurrent sessions, yarning circles, panels and workshops – providing a powerful and inspiring learning experience for attendees that is culturally rich, interactive, and culturally safe.
The 7th SNAICC National Conference focuses on the 20-year anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report, providing an opportunity for us to acknowledge the past, paying tribute to the Stolen Generations, while also collectively discussing ways in which we can respond to the needs of the present.”
– Sharron Williams
Speakers include:
- Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett AM, CEO, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
- Dr Sarah Kastelic, National Indian Child Welfare Association, Oregon, USA
- Helen Milroy, Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse
- Professor Mick Dodson, National Centre for Indigenous Studies, ANU
- Dr Jackie Huggins, Historian, Author, Co-chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
- Andrew Jackomos, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Victoria
- Natalie Lewis, CEO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak QLD
- Megan Mitchell, National Children’s Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission, NSW
- Jim Morrison, West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation Co-Chair
- June Oscar, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
- Richard Weston, CEO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation
The conference is being held at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, with Tuesday’s opening plenary launching the event with Welcome to Country from Dr Matilda House, followed by some visually stunning cultural performances.
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