The World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference 2024

We acknowledge The Onondawaga (Onödowá’ga) peoples of the Great Hill as the traditional custodians of what is known as Western New York for welcoming us to their lands and for their continued practice and generous sharing of their culture. We particularly thank the conference’s Elder, Clayton Logan, and members of the Seneca Nation for all their efforts keeping us safe and hosting the conference.

From July 22nd to 25th, 2024, Culture is Life and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) sent a group of young First Nations leaders to represent Australia at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference (WISPC). The event took place on the lands of the Onondawaga (Seneca Nation), also known as the “People of the Great Hill,” in New York.

The collaboration between Culture is Life and CBPATSISP is rooted in a shared mission to empower First Nations young people, ensuring their voices are heard in critical spaces. A central focus of this effort is self-determination, particularly through decision-making informed by young people’s knowledge and lived experience. By backing young leaders, both organisations aim to support meaningful youth participation in driving positive change within settings that affect their Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB).

One of the key initiatives of this partnership was sending a cohort of Fullaship alumni to the WISPC. These youth representatives, including Bek Lasky (Wakaya), Leyla Quartermaine (Ballardong Noongar), Hakon Dyrting (Garrawa, Djugun & Yawuru), and Tristian Nelliman-Adams (Wuthathi, Baduleige, Kirriri & Meriam), were chosen to ensure that young voices were heard at this global conference. They were supported by Culture is Life’s General Manager (Programs), Thara Brown, who helped guide and lead the cohort.

The Australian delegation also included respected Elders such as Aunty Dr. Roma Winmar (Noongar), Aunty Tjalaminu (Tj) Mia (Menang Goreng Wadjari Noongar), and Aunty Vicki McKenna (Yawuru/Bunuba Jarndu), along with representatives from organizations like Our Way Academy, NACCHO, Black Dog Institute, and Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health. The University of Western Australia (UWA) supported Mark Nannup in assisting the delegation.

In addition to the conference, the delegates had the unique opportunity to attend the Seneca Powwow, experiencing traditional Seneca Nation dress and dance. This cultural immersion provided attendees with an important sense of place and connection to the local Indigenous practices, enriching their participation in the event.

“It was an honour to witness the pow wow and am so thankful for how giving the people of the Seneca Nation were. It was beautiful and filled me with hope to see children and babies participate in their traditional dances and ceremonies.” – Culture is Life Delegate

Image: Traditional dress and dance at the Seneca Powwow 2024.

WISPC 2024 was an impactful experience for the First Nations young people and other delegates, offering an environment for cross-cultural exchange and learning. The conference addressed topics such as decolonisation, healing through storytelling, the relationship between SEWB and chronic health, and the importance of lived experience in addressing suicide prevention. Keynote speakers and facilitators highlighted the significance of community-led, place-based solutions, as well as the integration of traditional and contemporary wellbeing practices.

“Meeting Indigenous Young People from across the world was my highlight of the conference. We made lifelong connections while yarning about our aspirations for the future and how we as a collective contribute to better outcomes, lives & opportunities for other Indigenous Young People in our communities and each other.” – Culture is Life Delegate

Beyond the formal sessions, attendees had opportunities to participate in wellbeing activities, cultural sharing, breakout discussions, and network-building events, all of which fostered collaboration and connection between Indigenous communities from around the world.

The success of this initiative was made possible thanks to the support of Professor (Aunty) Patricia Dudgeon, whose leadership on the WISPC committee is greatly appreciated. Special thanks are also extended to the Anika Foundation for funding the participation of the young leaders, ensuring their voices were represented on the global stage.

The WISPC 2024 Report

This report was written by Culture Is Life in partnership with The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP).

This report outlines the conference’s significance, our objectives and findings, highlights the contributions of attendees, and provides recommendations for future considerations.

Read The Report