Empowered Communities launch

Today a group of over 25 prominent Indigenous leaders – from eight remote, regional and urban regions spanning six states and territories launched their plan to transform the way Indigenous policy is developed and implemented.

Both sides of federal politics have committed $5m to fund a detailed design that will involve Indigenous organisations and government working together on a single taskforce. The proposal would see a new interface between government and Indigenous communities, with a focus on supporting Indigenous authority and responsibility as a means of improving social norms and more quickly closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The group – called Empowered Communities – includes Noel Pearson, former Australian of the Year Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM, APY / NPY Womens’ Council Patron Marcia Langton, Western Australian Aboriginal Citizen of the Year Ian Trust, Australia’s Local Hero of the Year Shane Phillips, Kaiela Institute Chairman Paul Briggs OAM, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Sean Gordon, Cape York Institute CEO Fiona Jose and KRED Enterprises CEO Wayne Bergman. The leaders have been collaborating on this plan since June, building on the work they have done in their own communities for many years.
- Empowered Communities

The following video outlines some of the thinking behind this initiative. The first 5 minutes or so is mainly preamble

After that, Noel Pearson outlines three issues in this recent speech:

1. The unity of opposites - indigenous rights and responsibilities
2. The mouse and elephant. Indigenous Australians make up 3% of the population, being so outnumbered how can they make progress?
3. Anchored leadership

What is JAWUN? (displayed on the caps of the participants)

It is an alliance between corporate and indigenous Australians:

Jawun is essentially people sharing their stories. Our corporate and government secondees share their stories – their expertise, skills and knowledge. In return, our Indigenous partners share their stories – their values, culture and point of view.
- source