Meeting in New York to support Indigenous cultures
Elijah Douglas from Doomadgee recently travelled to New York city to share his experience of teaching and preserving his Aboriginal culture with other Indigenous leaders from around the world at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Keeping Aboriginal culture strong and healthy in his community of Doomadgee, North Queensland is a top priority for Elijah Douglas.
The 19 year old and 2016 winner of the NAIDOC Youth of the Year award teaches language and culture to students and teachers at the Doomadgee State School. But his passion for Indigenous culture is not just limited to his own.
Elijah recently returned from New York city where he was part of Australia’s delegation to the 13th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
The delegation, led by Rachel O’Connor from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, delivered several statements to the forum. These were about economic development, the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages, support for Indigenous peoples during conflict, peace and resolution, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Australia’s positive and high level of participation was well received at the forum as delegates shared experiences and explained challenges to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Elijah participated in the Youth Caucus, discussing the issues affecting Indigenous young people, particularly relating to teaching and preserving culture. He was able to share his story about how his fellow community members preserve and practise their culture.
“When attending the forum I expected to meet great people who were very strong and powerful and inspiring,” Elijah said.
“And I did. I also learned that other cultures around the world have both similar and different issues to us, and that Indigenous Australians have it easy here.”
Elijah said that many other cultures are losing their land and traditions whereas in Australia there is a great effort to preserve those things.
“This experience has shown me the importance of culture. I will work to make sure that my culture is kept alive,” Elijah said.
Highlights of the trip for Elijah included experiencing New York city itself and meeting people at the forum who were willing to make a stand.
“Representing my people at the forum was an awesome experience,” Elijah said.
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The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet provided financial support to the delegation and enabled its participation in the forum.
Other members of Australia’s delegation included Michelle Deshong a Fulbright Scholar currently living in the USA and Dr Ngiare Brown, a Member of the Indigenous Advisory Council.
Further information about the UNPFII is available at Permanent Forum.