First Nations First

A new report from non-profit organisation Supply Nation has found Indigenous businesses are experiencing growing demand for their products, and increased exports to other countries. Indigenous businesses have been found to create more than 40 billion dollars in value each year, helping to progress Closing the Gap targets, and leading to stronger connection to culture and country.

On Flinders Island in Bass Strait sits a little-known place, significant to not only Tasmanian and Australian history ... but global history. It's known as Wybalenna and it’s a place of deep sorrow for the Aboriginal community. But in more recent years an effort has been underway to make it a more comfortable place for the Aboriginal community to spend time for healing and truth-telling. With the community gathering there this week to mark NAIDOC week and continue the truth-telling that's been happening since colonisation.

On 3 March 1942, Japanese Zero fighter planes launched a devastating air raid on Broome, Western Australia. Charles D’Antoine, a young Indigenous man, was cleaning flying boats in Roebuck Bay when the bombs fell. Amid the chaos Charles, also known as Uncle Charlie to his loved ones, 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?

Human rights organisations are calling for urgent reform, in response to long-awaited findings from a coronial inquest into the fatal police shooting of 19-year-old Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker. After an almost three-year investigation, Coroner Elisabeth Armitage delivered her findings at a hearing in the town of Yuendumu, where the shooting took place. Her 683-page report found Mr Walker's death was avoidable, and makes 32 recommendations for change.

Ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trailblazers have been celebrated for excellence in their chosen fields at the national NAIDOC Week Awards in Perth. The annual awards ceremony honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who make outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond. Among the recipients, Jaru and Indjibarndi man Daniel Hunt has been awarded the prestigious NAIDOC Person of the Year award, recognised for his extensive contribution to Aboriginal health.

NAIDOC week this year celebrates the strength, vision and legacy of the next generation of First Nation leaders. Adnyamathanha, Luritja and Lower Southern Arrernte woman Juanella Donovan sold her first painting at the age of 12, to a tourist in the South Australian Flinders Ranges. Her work is now exhibited internationally, and she's stepped up to front a new Aboriginal art collective that's providing artists with a culturally respectful way to make an income in Port Augusta.

This year NAIDOC week is marking 50 years of honouring First Nations voices and culture. What began as a movement for justice, equality, freedom, and basic human rights has grown into a powerful national celebration, and a platform for the issues still affecting Indigenous people today.

This year, NAIDOC Week focuses on building a legacy for the next generation. That’s also the focus of an Aboriginal chef, who grew up knowing very little about his own heritage. He has since made it his business to help connect young Indigenous people with their culture – through food.

A permanent Indigenous voice to parliament is on its way for Victoria. It makes Victoria the second state in Australia - after South Australia - to establish a state-based, democratically elected body to provide advice on laws and policies related to Aboriginal people. The agreements come at the same time as the handing down of the final report of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, after four years of hearings.

All over the country, there are concerns about rising rates of youth crime. At the same time, advocates are concerned about the rate of incarceration for First Nations people, fearing some communities are being criminalised and over-policed. Advocates say Australia is not on track to meeting Closing the Gap targets on imprisonment - and in fact, things are only getting worse for young offenders. In this episode of the Too Hard Basket, we take a look at recent law and order crackdowns - and their impact on First Nations young people.