First Nations First

The Northern Territory is the worst-performing jurisdiction in the country on Closing the Gap, new data has revealed. Youth advocates and experts have condemned a string of recent NT Government reforms amid worsening progress on incarceration and youth detention. It comes as Indigenous leaders prepare to meet with the Prime Minister at the annual Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land this weekend.

Who gets awarded for bravery and why? In the final episode of Uncle Charlie: The Invisible Hero, host Paulien Roessink speaks to community members who know a lot about awarding bravery. We’ll hear from David Arden, the president of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia, and Michael Bell, Indigenous Liaison for the Australian War Memorial, alongside previous guests of the series. We'll find out why people still think formal recognition from the government is due 83 years after Uncle Charlie saved three Dutch people during the Broome Air Raid attacks.

A new report has found that First Nations Australians are twice as likely as other Australians to have trouble accessing their superannuation. The independent research highlights the systemic barriers First Nations peoples face which include rigid policies, inaccessible customer service and a lack of accountability. Financial counsellors say reforms are badly needed to address this.

An Indigenous-owned business in Western Australia is drawing on traditional knowledge to bring back Australia's first ever export - the sea cucumber. Tidal Moon exports the coveted delicacy to South East Asia, creating employment in a region where jobs are limited.

Two years after the Broome air raid—when Japanese Zero fighter planes attacked and more than 80 lives were lost—local Bardi man Charles D’Antoine was awarded a medal by the Kingdom of the Netherlands for saving three Dutch nationals. Now, 83 years on, the Australian government has yet to formally acknowledge Uncle Charlie’s act of bravery. In the second episode of this 3-part series, host Paulien Roessink finds out who Uncle Charlie was, and what was the cost of being a hero?

On a hot autumn day in Broome, 1942 a young Indigenous man named Charles D’Antoine is cleaning boat planes along Roebuck Bay. Charles, also known as Uncle Charlie to his loved ones, couldn’t have imagined the carnage that was about to be unleashed on this small regional town. Japanese Zero fighter planes launched a devastating air raid on Broome, leaving approximately 80 people dead. Amid the chaos, Uncle Charlie saved the lives of three Dutch citizens. For his bravery, he was awarded a Silver Medal by the Dutch government. But why was this act of heroism never officially recognised by Australia?

The Federal Court has dismissed a landmark case which argued the federal government breached its duty of care to protect the Torres Strait Islands from climate change. The case, brought by Traditional Owners Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai in 2021, argued the government held a duty of care to the Indigenous peoples and alleged that its failure to adequately reduce emissions has contributed to harm of their island communities. Justice Michael Wigney delivered the Federal Court's ruling, says the government had no such duty in this case.

The opening of Emily Kam Kngwarray at the Tate Modern marks the first major solo exhibition of the First Nations artist in Europe. Five years in the making, the show is a collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia and showcases the works of one of Australia's most renowned artists.

A landmark report released this week has found Indigenous businesses are helping to make progress on Closing the Gap targets, creating $42.6 billion in social value each year. That means every dollar invested equates to $3.66 in social value. The report by Supply Nation, which runs the largest directory of Indigenous businesses in Australia, says it leads to improved mental health conditions, increased pride among communities, and a better connection to culture and Country. Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell spoke with Stephanie Youssef about the report's findings.

An ancient indigenous rock art collection in Western Australia's Pilbara region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional owners travelled to Paris for the decision, where member nations unanimously voted for the inclusion of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. The engravings pre-date anything found in ancient Egypt or the Roman empire.