On for young and old: Conference explores ways to connect Indigenous generations

 

  National Studies Conference 2011
 

Over 400 conference delegates have gathered in Canberra to discuss and explore a variety of ways of connecting the younger and older generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the biennial National Indigenous Studies Conference. (Photo: John Paul Janke)

 

Monday 19 September 2011

Over 400 conference delegates will gather in Canberra this morning to discuss and explore a variety of ways of connecting the younger and older generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The biennial National Indigenous Studies Conference - organised by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) - begins today for the next four days at the Australian National University. 

This year’s theme of Young and Old: Connecting Generations has brought together multi-disciplinary expertise from across the Indigenous Studies sector including researchers, policy makers, community members, academics, representative organisations, consultants, traditional owners and service providers.

With over 125 papers, featuring some 180 presenters, this year’s conference considers key issues for the younger and older generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whether living in urban, regional or remote areas of Australia.

This year’s Conference will discuss key issues, new research and highlight programs and projects in Indigenous communities across multi sectors such as education, health, information technology, wellbeing and resilience, employment and language.

AIATSIS Chairperson, Professor Mick Dodson AM said that the necessity to explore these issues and to share each others knowledge and experience becomes apparent with the figures highlighting the widening of the gap between these generations.

“In 2008, almost half (49%) of the Indigenous population was aged under 20 years and a further 16% were aged between 20 and 30 years. Just 3% of the Indigenous population were aged 65 years and over,” he said.

The National Indigenous Studies Conference has become a key forum for discussion and information sharing, consolidate networks and to learn about new research and programs.

One whole day of workshops will explore such areas as Media; Genealogies and topographical materials, maps and spatial data; Youth identity; Youth leadership; Connective Art and social and emotional wellbeing.

The Conference also features a two-day inaugural National Indigenous Interpreting Meeting which has attracted representatives and interpreters from services across Australia including Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Delegates will discuss issues and challenges currently facing Aboriginal interpreters and highlight and share experiences in training, service delivery and business development.

The Conference opens this morning with a keynote address - ‘Yours in the struggle’: Aboriginal leadership and the next generation- by Pat Anderson, Chair of the Lowitja Institute and co-author of the Little Children Are Sacred report.

 AIATSIS is the world’s leading research, collecting and publishing institution in the field of Australian Indigenous studies.