Today, Australia is home to nearly one million Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, representing 3.8% of the Australian population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, June 2021). Our First Nations Peoples have inhabited this country for over 60,000 years yet are not recognised in the Australian Constitution, which took effect in 1901 and did not have a comprehensive treaty or agreement with its Indigenous peoples.
While the narrative is changing and there is increased emphasis on living longer, healthier lives and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are engaging in high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood education in their early years, there is more to do. Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are asking for recognition and, significantly, an opportunity to shape their priorities on healthcare, education, jobs and other pressing issues. Youth organisers yearn to be the change and to work to improve outcomes for their communities, yet often feel their voices are not heard, draining them of hope.