SA to establish peak body to amplify the voices of First Nations children and families

The South Australian Government has progressed its work to establish a peak body to amplify the voices of South Australian Aboriginal children and families, with CEO recruitment underway for the newly-named organisation.

The Steering Committee guiding the peak body’s establishment has decided on the name Wakwakurna Kanyini meaning ‘holding on to our children’. 

“Our newly-formed peak body now has a name reflective of our aim, the culmination of decades of advocacy to strengthen the care, protection and rights of Aboriginal children,” Interim Board Member Sandra Miller said.

Backed by a $3.2 million investment from the State Government, the name Wakwakurna Kanyini reflects the aim of the peak body, which is to care for and nurture children under its auspice. 

Wakwakurna is the Kaurna word for children, while Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word with a complex meaning that loosely translates to interconnectedness, nurture and support for family, country and community.

Wakwakurna Kanyini will be a strong and independent community voice that will provide leadership on the representation of community-led priorities to the State Government focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and families and on building the capacity of the Aboriginal community-controlled sector to provide services to families in need.

“I am really grateful to the steering group for their work towards the establishment of this crucial peak for Aboriginal children and families,” SA Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said. 

“I look forward to walking together with Wakwakurna Kanyini to help ensure Aboriginal children and young people have the best opportunities to safely live their lives with family, loved, nurtured, supported to reach their potential and connected to culture, country and community.”

Wakawakurna Kanyini is currently advertising for its inaugural CEO, with the establishment of the peak body being supported by its steering committee as well as peak body SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children.

The CEO will drive a transformative reform agenda, influencing legislation, policy and practice, and will work closely with stakeholders to establish the peak as the leading community voice for Aboriginal children and families in South Australia.

For a CEO position statement or to apply for the CEO role, visit the SNAICC website.