In order to raise awareness of the needs of Indigenous Peoples, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This date, adopted in December 1994 by UN General Assembly marks the date of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Geneva in 1982. Here, we examine the role and futures of the Indigenous Youth of Australia.
Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination and Sustainable Future
In a profound tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the world’s indigenous communities, the United Nations General Assembly took a momentous step on 23 December 1994, adopting resolution 49/214. As a result, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was designated to be celebrated annually on the 9th of August. This symbolic date holds special significance, commemorating the historic convening of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. The essence of this year’s commemoration revolves around the theme “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination.” This theme underscores the vital role played by the young members of indigenous societies in championing self-determination, fostering resilience, and shaping a future that embraces cultural heritage with unwavering determination.
In the Australian context, Indigenous youth emerges as the driving force behind transformative progress, vigorously championing the principle of self-determination, which holds profound significance in international human rights law. This fundamental right finds its roots in crucial human rights agreements, such as the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration). According to the UN Declaration (Art. 3), Indigenous Peoples possess an inherent right to self-determination, enabling them to forge their own paths towards economic, social, and cultural advancement without restraint. This right, intrinsically linked to Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Declaration, firmly establishes Indigenous Peoples as distinct nations, equal in status under the umbrella of international human rights law.
Amidst the call for Indigenous youth to be catalysts of change for self-determination and a sustainable future, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap emerges as a pivotal endeavour. This agreement aims to foster collaboration between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments, seeking to redress the inequities that persist within these communities. The urgency of this mission is emphasised by the Prime Minister’s words, noting the persistence – and even worsening – of many gaps. This stark reality drives the need for a renewed national commitment to authentic partnership between governments and Indigenous communities.
Recognising the pressing need for transformation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscores the necessity to depart from the existing status quo. The notion that persisting along the current trajectory of decisions dictated from Canberra will result in novel results is questioned. To highlight the urgently required enhancements, the Prime Minister accentuates the pivotal requirement of affording Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people an authentic platform to voice their perspectives in issues intricately linked to their existence. Their proactive engagement in shaping remedies stands as an essential cornerstone.
This sentiment is echoed in the 2023 Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, as well as the Strong Culture, Strong Youth: Our Legacy, Our Future – Campaign Report 2023. Both sources underscore the pivotal role of Indigenous youth in closing the gap and creating a more equitable future. The National Agreement encompasses socio-economic targets, including the pivotal goal of reducing the rate of young Indigenous individuals in detention by 30 percent before 2031. This aspiration aligns with the broader outcomes sought – from the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the empowerment of their youth in education and early childhood development. As we celebrate Indigenous youth as potent agents of change, their participation in realising these outcomes remains essential for a more equitable and self-determined future.
Australia’s, Indigenous youth stand at the forefront, proactively embracing their right to self-determination, fully aware that the choices they make today will shape their future. As agents of change, these young individuals take a proactive stance in tackling some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Their involvement is crucial, and their determination to address the complex issues facing their communities and the nation at large is a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
The journey of Indigenous youth towards self-determination and a sustainable future is deeply rooted in the lives of Australian Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal communities. For these young individuals, climate action and the green transition are not just abstract concepts but fundamental aspects of their daily existence. Climate action and the green transition are deeply ingrained in the lives of the Indigenous youth. Guided by their unique cosmovision and speaking their Indigenous languages, the youth take on distinct roles that come with specific rights, responsibilities, and social recognition within their communities. From a young age, both boys and girls learn through hands-on experiences, participating in family activities, social interactions, and working together in tasks like agriculture and household chores. Their close bond with the land and biodiversity fills them with a deep sense of stewardship and reverence for nature. As the custodians of their ancestral territories, they carry a profound understanding of the delicate balance between humanity and the environment.
As we confront the challenges of climate change, our Indigenous youth step up as influential agents of change, bringing forth their traditional wisdom and ecological insights to the forefront of climate action. Their ancestral knowledge inspires sustainable practices and holistic resource management, making invaluable contributions to creating a more harmonious coexistence with nature. Moreover, their perspectives, shaped by their rich cultural heritage and ancestral wisdom, enhance the Australian and global discussions on environmental sustainability. Empowering them, the Indigenous youth, as leaders in climate action is crucial for shaping a more inclusive and resilient future. By honouring their ambition, wisdom and experiences, we embark on a collective journey towards a greener, more sustainable world that respects our Indigenous rights and embraces a harmonious relationship with the planet.
However the journey of Indigenous youth towards self-determination and a sustainable future is not without its challenges. Discrimination casts a shadow over the lives of Indigenous youth, impacting their self-esteem, spirituality, language, and cultural identity. Many of these young individuals face numerous hurdles, navigating cultural clashes and external influences that push them towards adopting identities that diverge from their roots, all to avoid discrimination and racism. In some extreme cases, this struggle leads to the rejection of their ancestral customs, languages, and cultural heritage.
Despite these challenges, examples abound of Indigenous youth actively engaging with Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, both in urban and rural settings, even reaching beyond national borders, in their quest to revitalise and promote their unique cultural identities. They actively participate in various activities aimed at strengthening their cultural connections, engaging in assemblies, and creating spaces for cultural exchange with Indigenous elders, while forming a solid support network among their peers. As a powerful example of their collective empowerment, these young advocates are at the forefront of the YES movement to enshrine an Indigenous voice in parliament through a constitutional referendum, slated to take place in the coming months. They are mobilising and voicing their support for this crucial step towards achieving recognition, representation, and justice for Indigenous Peoples.
The new generation of Indigenous advocates is emerging as a potent force, reshaping the narrative surrounding Australian Torres Islanders and Aboriginal communities. These young activists are mobilising for societal change through social initiatives, harnessing the power of online platforms to showcase and celebrate their cultures, languages, and traditional knowledge systems, reaching a broader audience, while shedding light on injustices within their communities. Their voices resonate powerfully as they share their stories, building solidarity among fellow Indigenous youth, and raising awareness of the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples, both locally and globally. Empowered and determined, Australian Torres Islanders and Aboriginal youth are paving the way for a more just and inclusive world, one that embraces, respects, and uplifts Indigenous cultures, languages, and rights. They are actively advocating for the recognition and implementation of an Indigenous voice in parliament, fostering hope for a future that reflects the diverse perspectives and wisdom of their ancient tradition and cultures.
The efforts of Indigenous Youth and their agency, firmly rooted in their cultural heritage, find strength and sustenance in intergenerational connections, forming an unshakable foundation for their journey. Accordingly, the journey of Indigenous youth towards self-determination and a sustainable future is deeply intertwined with the significance of intergenerational connections. The connections hold immense significance for Indigenous youth as they navigate their roles within society. Identity plays a fundamental role in shaping their individual and collective sense of self, intricately tied to the land, language, traditional livelihoods, ceremonies, arts, crafts, and the broader community. This profound connection to identity is passed down through family ties, as knowledge and history are transmitted from elders to the younger generation. Thus, fostering an intergenerational dialogue between youth and elders becomes crucial, as the youth represent the continuity of the path already traversed by their ancestors. By preserving and cherishing these connections, Indigenous youth gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and traditions, ensuring the perpetuation of their cultural legacy.
Religions for Peace Australia has great confidence and faith in the Australian Indigenous youth, who, empowered by their heritage, are destined to lead the charge for self-determination, illuminating a path of hope and resilience that will leave an enduring mark on the world’s tapestry.
Sources:
NATIONAL AGREEMENT ON CLOSING THE GAP
2023 Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan (Prime Minister’s foreword)
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Strong Culture, Strong Youth: Our Legacy, Our Future – Campaign Report 2023
