Panel discussion - Indigenous voices in development: current perspectives and future directions

Panelists (L-R) Braiden Abala, Alice Tamang, Tony Kiessler and Jenna Hawes

December 2022

At the 2022 Australasian AID Conference, this all-Indigenous panel of international development professionals share their perspectives on current and emerging issues, opportunities to inform future practice and approaches to increase Indigenous participation in development.

A ‘voice’ for Indigenous Australians is a central focus of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and recognises the importance of Indigenous participation in policy making at all levels. However, conversations with First Nations Australians rarely inform our approaches in international development. Panelists explore the establishment of an Office for Indigenous Engagement within DFAT and draw on their own experience from advising on Indigenous participation and inclusion through the Indigenous Diplomacy Agenda, Australian Volunteers Program and Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I).

Panelists:

• Alice Tamang - Managing Director, Connecting Cultures International and Indigenous Programs Manager, Australian Volunteers Program

• Tony Kiessler - Managing Director and Principal Consultant, Akaltye

• Braiden Abala - Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Adviser, Partnerships for Infrastructure

• Jenna Hawes - Project Manager International Development, Ninti One

Watch via the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM0K89Dmia8