SNAICC invited all those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children – early childhood and child welfare leaders, practitioners, policy makers, researchers and government representatives from around Australia. The conference objectives were around sharing and celebrating, growing our knowledge, challenging others to acknowledge history and respect culture, and fostering leadership.
ampe anwernekenheke – for our children
The SNAICC Conference held at the end of July was a great success with almost 1000 people gathering from all over the country making it the largest conference on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It was a thought provoking time of discussion, exchange and learning for all the representatives of children and family services attending the conference.
An exciting line-up of international and Australian speakers raised issues of pressing importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in the areas of education, health, welfare, well being and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children presented keynote speeches, including Grant Sarra, Karen Martin and Kerrie Tim. We were also pleased to welcome our other keynote speakers Dorothy Scott and international guests from Canada and the United States, Cindy Blackstock and Joseph Sparling who shared their expertise and knowledge in child welfare and education outcomes for Indigenous children in their countries.
Amongst those who attended the conference were delegates from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-run child and family welfare and early childhood services. Many traveled far from community-run services in remote areas of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia.
Over 40 workshops were run on a variety of issues including traditional and innovative healing, child protection, early childhood, men’s programs and also the popular Tjanpi Weavers. Alice Springs was a great location and turned on clear blue skies and balmy winter nights for a number of outdoor events, included SNAICC would like to thank everyone for coming and contributing in what we hope was a stimulating and enjoyable three days.
For more information view the full 2010 SNAICC conference report.
