The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) has unveiled a program to help Indigenous communities engage their young people by supporting them to build stronger connections to their families, Elders and culture.
The nine communities selected for the first stage of the Indigenous Youth Connection to Culture (IYCC) Program are Nhulunbuy, Numbulwar and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory; Mareeba, Doomadgee and Cherbourg in Queensland; Perth (Gosnells) and Geraldton in Western Australia; and Kempsey in NSW.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt said the IYCC Program had been co-designed with communities to increase active engagement, improve mental health and reduce the risk of suicide among young Indigenous people by reconnecting them with their traditional culture.
“These activities are community-led and have been developed with the support of specialist facilitators through a robust co-design process,” Mr Wyatt said.
“Activities will be squarely aimed at promoting positive relationships and improving the wellbeing of young Indigenous people in remote and regional areas, which in turn will build resilience and reduce anti-social behaviour,” he said.
The Minister said this would be achieved by building stronger connections to culture, families and Elders.
“It’s about strengthening cultural identity and cultural continuity to foster resilience, self-esteem and pride as protective factors against youth suicide and self-harm,” he said.
“This will be done through a range of activities including creating networks and partnerships in the community, culture camps, bush cooking, giving the youth a voice and inclusion on community decisions, mentorship, developing cultural pride and preserving local languages.”
Mr Wyatt said the activities would also complement broader community plans aimed at building leadership skills and promoting younger voices.
