Day 1 at the National RAP Conference 2024

Today was a powerful first day at the National RAP Conference in Brisbane. As I navigate the sessions and conversations, I'm struck by the collective energy of over 800 attendees, all representing the 3300 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) partners across Australia. Together, this network employs over 17,500 First Nations people - a testament to the potential for corporate Australia to drive meaningful change.

One of the most impactful moments was Erin Lang's (CEO of Reconciliation QLD) reflection on the recent end of the Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Enquiry. It's a stark reminder that the journey towards reconciliation isn't always easy, and sometimes requires us to confront uncomfortable truths. Even with this setback, I firmly believe that corporate Australia can play a vital role in supporting truth-telling initiatives. By partnering with and empowering grassroots First Nations-led organisations, we can ensure these crucial conversations continue.

This afternoon, I attended a session on "Understanding Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Protocols in Your Organisation's Work," led by Dr. Terri Janke. This was incredibly valuable in deepening my understanding of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and how it applies to the cultural information we gather from First Nations employees, customers, and stakeholders. Respecting and protecting Indigenous knowledge is paramount to building genuine partnerships.

Fiona Jose, CEO of Cape York Partnerships, delivered an inspiring speech that resonated deeply with me. Her message of building capability within First Nations communities and focusing on generational impact reminded me why I'm so passionate about this work. It also brought back a flood of memories, as my early career was deeply intertwined with the Cape York Agenda. I had the privilege of working directly for this transformative movement through organisations like Balkanu Cape York Development, Cape York Land Council, Cape York Institute for Policy and Development, and Cape York Digital Network – all entities under Cape York Partnerships striving to realise the vision conceived by Noel Pearson.

What particularly struck me was how Fiona and her team have delved into the Closing the Gap priorities, identifying intersecting causal factors that contribute to progress in key areas. They've highlighted the crucial role of education, demonstrating how supporting high school graduation (priority 5 in the pyramid) has a ripple effect, leading to improvements in further education, youth employment, and overall employment outcomes (priorities 6, 7, and 8). This interconnected approach provides a structured framework for action, addressing the often-asked question of "where do we start?" It reinforces the critical importance of investing in our next generation and empowering them to complete their education.

Key Takeaways:

• Truth-telling is essential: Without truth, there can be no reconciliation, equity, or treaty. We must continue to support platforms for truth-telling, even in the face of challenges.
• Indigenous knowledge must be protected: Understanding and applying ICIP protocols is crucial for ethical engagement with First Nations communities and their cultural heritage.
• Empowerment through capability building: Sustainable self-determination requires investing in the capabilities of First Nations people.
• One Generation at a Time: Creating lasting change requires a commitment to generational impact, however focus on one generation at a time.
• Education is key: Prioritising high school graduation for First Nations youth creates a pathway to improved outcomes across multiple Closing the Gap targets.

I'm leaving Day 1 feeling energised and inspired. The National RAP Conference is a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can have when we work together towards reconciliation.

#RAPConference2024 #IGA2024 #NowMoreThanEver