In November, we welcome our upcoming cohort of emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders for our Milparanga program. It’s the third Milparanga emerging program and part of a growing suite of First Nations-focused leadership development offerings.
Our group of 16 participants from across mainland Australia and the Torres Strait will embark on a journey on Wajuk, Noongar, Minang, and Southwest Boorjara Country, whilst engaging in truth-telling, culture appreciation, and inclusion. Our facilitators and program designers endeavour to provide an experience that lets participants leave with a deeper understanding of their thoughts and actions, humble confidence, a trusted network and a vision for their future and that of their communities.
We see this is true for alumni of our emerging program. We were thrilled to hear of alumni Jodie Ward Napurrula and John West Tjupurrula representing Papunya Tula Artists at the opening of the Irrititja Kuwarri Tujungu – Past Present Together: 50 Years of Papunya Tula Artista exhibition at the Australian Embassy Gallery in Washington. If you’re interested, you can experience an online version of the exhibition from here in Australia.
We also heard from alum and Kariyarra woman Sky Dickerson, who gained the confidence to move away from home and step into a trade in mining. You can read more about Sky’s ambitions in her impact story.
In light of the year that was the campaign for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, we also want to reaffirm our commitment to celebrating and recognising the leadership contributions of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. We will continue to listen, acknowledge, and walk beside First Nations people, as this collaboration fosters better outcomes not just for regional, rural, and remote communities, but for all of Australia.
We acknowledge the importance of self-care and connection with nature, and hope many have sought strength from our lands and seas.
Our leadership work is more crucial than ever—creating space for diverse perspectives through reflection, learning, and dialogue. The ARLF is committed to the invitation that the Uluru Statement of the Heart offers. We will strengthen our collaboration with alumni and participants to enhance and amplify the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their knowledge, and living culture, working towards better outcomes for a shared future.
We invite you to continue supporting and participating in our endeavours as we strive for a more inclusive and empowering leadership landscape in Australia.
