Culture is Life and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) are dedicated to supporting young First Nations people by providing opportunities, training, and experiences that elevate their voices and ensure their lived experiences are recognised in spaces that impact them.

Self-determination is a key factor in improving health outcomes for First Nations communities, especially for young people. Without their active presence and contributions, their needs may not be fully understood in the systems and services they interact with. Their knowledge and lived experiences are essential to shaping better health outcomes for themselves, their families, and their peers. Both Culture is Life and CBPATSISP are committed to empowering young people to drive change in areas that directly affect their social and emotional wellbeing.

At global gatherings like the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference (WISPC), it is vital that young people are represented. These events bring together diverse knowledge, respected leaders, and decision-makers to share ideas, and ensuring young people have a seat at the table is both culturally important and necessary for progress.

In partnership with Elders and leaders, we assembled a cohort of young First Nations people to attend WISPC 2024. Collaborative efforts and shared learnings are crucial in addressing the pressing issues faced by Indigenous communities. By building global relationships and learning from successful prevention strategies in other countries, we can catalyse much-needed change at home.

WISPC 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.

Thanks to the financial support of the Anika Foundation, CBPATSISP, and Culture is Life, four Fullaship alumni were selected to attend WISPC 2024, hosted on the lands of the Seneca Nation in Niagara Falls, New York. The selected participants were Bek Lasky (Wakaya) and Leyla Quartermaine (Ballardong Noongar) from the 2022 Fullaship, and Hakon Dyrting (Garrawa, Djugun & Yawuru) and Tristian Nelliman-Adams (Wuthathi, Baduleige, Kirriri & Meriam) from the 2023 Fullaship. They were guided by Culture is Life’s General Manager (Programs), Thara Brown, throughout the experience.

The Australian delegation was led by respected Elders Aunty Dr. Roma Winmar (Noongar), Aunty Tjalaminu (Tj) Mia (Menang Goreng Wadjari Noongar), and Aunty Vicki McKenna (Yawuru/Bunuba Jarndu), alongside Joe Williams (Our Way Academy), Matthew Craig (Neurokind), and representatives from organizations such as NACCHO, the Black Dog Institute, and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. Mark Nannup, supported by CBPATSISP, who assisted the Elders and youth cohort throughout the event.

Image: Our cohort with the Elders in attendance, Aunty Tjalaminu (Tj) Mia (left) and Dr Aunty Dr. Roma Winmar (right).

Cultural Immersion and Lasting Impact

WISPC 2024 was an enriching experience for all who attended, blending cultural immersion and knowledge-sharing. The conference began with the Seneca Powwow, where attendees witnessed traditional dance, dress, and ceremonies of the Seneca Nation. This provided a powerful foundation for the conference, grounding participants in the local Indigenous culture and fostering a deeper connection to Indigenous spirituality and resilience.

The conference itself featured inspiring keynote speakers, workshops, presentations, and cultural displays, all aimed at promoting social and emotional wellbeing. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Indigenous young people from around the world, forming lifelong connections and exchanging ideas on how to best support social and emotional wellbeing in their communities.

One of the most powerful aspects of the trip was witnessing the strength of Indigenous cultures, particularly through ceremonies and traditions that have endured despite historical oppression. Seeing young Seneca Nation children participate in these traditions was especially moving for the Australian cohort, offering inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose.

The connections made and the knowledge gained from this global gathering will continue to inform ongoing efforts in suicide prevention and wellbeing initiatives back in Australia.

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor (Aunty) Patricia Dudgeon AM FAHMS for her leadership on the WISPC committee and her tireless work for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are also deeply grateful to the Anika Foundation for providing the funding that made this life-changing experience possible for our young leaders.

WISPC 2024 was not just a conference – it was a vital step towards fostering global Indigenous solidarity, learning, and progress in suicide prevention and wellbeing for First Nations people.

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


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The 2024 Fullaship in Gimuy (Cairns) wearing their deadly creations made in the “Clay Speaks” workshop hosted by @ttpopp_ 🎨 

Thank you to the deadly tidda @taliciaminniecon for yarning with the young mob and sharing her story, talking about healing and her journey with social entrepreneurship. 💛 

As tidda said, this is why we do what we do - for the next generation, our children, our community and our connection to culture. ✨

📸 @ttpopp_
Meet Bri Apma Hayes, one of our deadly 2024 Fellows! 👋🏽 Bri is a proud Arrernte woman, born and raised on Waddawurrung country in Geelong. She is an artist who grew up learning stories and techniques from her father which she now uses to connect with other people and share culture, history and people's journeys. 🎨

Bri is passionate about education and is currently Co-Chair for her Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to help all young mob feel safe and heard in education environments. ✊🏽
Arrernte and Kalkadoon filmmaker, Rachel Perkins, has been awarded the Distinguished Services to the Australian Screen Award at the Screen Music Awards in Naarm (Melbourne). 🏆

“Her stories, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, have become woven into the fabric of our national story. 🎬

They challenge us to look deeper, to understand more fully and to walk in the shoes of those whose experiences may be different from our own.” - Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, which present the Screen Music Awards. 🙌🏽
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📱 Read the full story via @nitv_au
Meet Jeremy Last, one of our 2024 Fellows! Jeremy is a proud Ngaanyatjarra & Pitjantjatjara man studying a double bachelor's degree in International Relations and Arts majoring in Indigenous Knowledges & Society at the University of Adelaide. 👨🏽‍🎓

Jeremy is passionate about community development and advocating for mob. On a personal level Jeremy enjoys playing Australian Rules Football, trail running, spending time with my family and friends and also volunteering at a youth group. 🏃🏽
The 2024 Fullaship mob have landed in Gimuy (Cairns) on Yidinji & Yirrganydji Country for their second intensive ✈️

Special thanks to Traditional Owner, Jiritju Fourmile, for the warm Welcome and showing us around this beautiful Country. 🍃
Meet Raychelle (RayRay) Mckenzie from the 2024 Fullaship Program! RayRay is an Anbarra, Nakara young person with ties to Luritja and Yamatji mobs, passionate about grassroots initiatives and community empowerment. As an MC, rapper, and poet, they express stories of resilience and disparities through music and creativity. 🎤

As part of their Fullaship project to develop as an artist, RayRay has recently performed with Kobie Dee on his Northern Territory Tour and is also passionate about addressing Rheumatic Heart Disease and Streptococcus A, sharing insights from their lived experience and the effects it has on families and their community. 🫂
Today, October 10, marks #WorldMentalHealthDay 🌏 This is a gentle reminder that it's ok to not be ok. Take care of yourself, your mob and your Country. 🫂 It's all connected. 🫶🏽 #MentalHealthMatters

Artwork via @coffinbirth
CW: Suicide ⚠️

Today, September 10th, marks World Suicide Prevention Day. As we wind down from the day, we invite you to light a candle and take a moment to honour and remember those we have lost to suicide. A simple but meaningful wellbeing ritual that you can continue throughout the rest of the year. 🕯️

As always, we stand together as a community, honouring our Ancestors and strengthening our connection to Country, culture and community. Together, we can find strength and healing. ❤️‍🩹

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.

For more help, you can contact:
Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
or 13Yarn on 13 92 76

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #WSPD2024