With Reconciliation Week underway across Australia, the Northern Territory Government is supporting Indigenous initiatives including the First Circles Leadership Program.
Fifteen Aboriginal leaders from 13 remote communities and regional towns across the territory are taking part in the 2025 First Circles Leadership program.
The First Circles Leadership Program is aimed to help identify, mentor and support Aboriginal emerging leaders from remote communities across the Northern Territory.
The annual leadership program is offered to emerging Aboriginal leaders from the six regions of the territory – Central Australia, Barkly, Big Rivers, East Arnhem, Top End and Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield.
They will meet for their second workshop in Katherine from 2-6 June.
This week across the territory will be story sharing sessions with Elders, cultural workshops, film screenings, community service projects and school activities.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steve Edgington says Reconciliation Week is an important opportunity for all Australians to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
“This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ highlighting the ongoing connection between past, present and future,” Edgington says.
“It urges us to deepen our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples every day, so the next generation inherits a territory and a nation, rooted in respect and opportunity.
“Reconciliation demands ongoing effort. While past generations fought for progress, future gains will require just as much commitment from all of us.”
The government is also working in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations on initiatives like the Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS).
Edgington, who will attend the AIS Forum in Tennant Creek on Wednesday, said AIS had been bridging cultural and language barriers across the territory for the past 25 years.
“Since it was established by the Northern Territory Government in 2000, AIS has played a vital role in effective two-way communication,” he says.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May until 3 June, following National Sorry Day on 26 May.
National Sorry Day was first held in 1998 to recognise and acknowledge the effects of the Stolen Generations and the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Find out how Indigenous participation in Australia’s mining sector is continuing to evolve and reach new highs as the country learns to look beyond engagement and towards a more collaborative approach in our National Reconciliation Week feature.
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock
