First Nations First

In the world heritage-protected Shark Bay, 800 kilometres north of Perth, a Malgana woman is working to save biodiversity. Considered one of the world's greatest wilderness treasures, she's carrying a unique responsibility passed on by Elders who've cared for the land before her.

The biggest cohort of First Nations graduates from a single degree have been celebrated at Monash University in Melbourne. The Master of Indigenous Business Leadership aims to encourage the next generation and diversify the sector.

Thousands of people have arrived in Naarm this week, joining the Yoorrook Justice Commissioner on the final steps of his Walk for Truth. The 500-kilometre journey marks the closing chapter for Travis Lovett in his Victoria’s landmark truth-telling process - where he trekked from Portland in the state's west all the way to Melbourne.

Every year, hundreds gather to mark the Myall Creek massacre in New South Wales. Once a no-go zone, today a memorial stands at the site as a tribute to the group of 28 unarmed Aboriginal people killed by a gang of stockmen on 10 June 1838. It was one of 438 sites where the mass killing of Aboriginal Australians took place during the period called the Frontier Wars, between 1788 and 1930. The event was also the first – and only – time European settlers were successfully prosecuted for the mass murder of Aboriginal people. For Keith Munro, a descendant of the survivors, the annual gathering is a major truth-telling project brought to life by the local community - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Biwa Kwan spoke with Keith Munro about the significance of this year's commemoration.

After years of campaigning, Stolen Generations survivor Tony Hansen says the establishment of a redress scheme in Western Australia is a milestone moment.

Stolen Generations survivors in Western Australia will now be eligible for redress for the harm caused by forced removals of children from family and community. The state government has announced living survivors will be eligible for payments of up to $85,000 under the scheme. As Reconciliation Week events take place across the country, former Labor Senator Pat Dodson has also called for Labor to take further steps toward truth-telling and treaty.

Every year in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June, Australians are presented with the opportunity to learn more about the nation’s shared histories, cultures and achievements. This year, the theme is Bridging Now to Next - calling on the nation to reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

It has become a lightning rod issue: What should Australia do with its public statues celebrating leaders from the country's colonial past? One group thinks it has the answer. SBS' The Feed speaks to an anonymous group from Melbourne has been going after colonial statues – toppling, breaking or defacing them in the night.

Cost of living, housing, Medicare – some of the issues central to this election. But what some experts and advocates are saying is “absent” from the campaign trail is First Nations affairs. What are the key policy announcements? What are the interests and concerns of First Nations people? Where should Australia go after the referendum outcome?

While electoral enrolment is currently at an all-time high, voter turnout has been in decline since 2007. The 2022 election saw turnout drop to its lowest level since compulsory voting was introduced in 1925. And one area where voter participation is especially low is in remote communities.