The World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference

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