ID Know Yourself

Welcome Ampol who has recently partnered with IDKY. Their support includes fuel cards which will enable us to transport our mentees to cultural camp, excursions and to group mentoring sessions. Allowing our young people to connect further with their heritage and develop integral life skills. #IDKY #BreakTheCycle

A Yalamundhmarang from Aunty Glendra. In light of the ‘Silver Jubilee Celebration’ of International Mother Language Day this week, we sat down with Aunty Glendra, to discuss the importance of preserving and promoting the use of indigenous and minority languages. However, the truth is in many cases, we are too far gone to ‘preserve’ language. In the 18th century, over 250 First Languages were spoken around Australia, with over 800 dialects. In 2019, 90% were considered endangered (AIATIS). A consequences of fear after colonisation and government policies suppressed the speaking of these languages publically. At IDKY we have programs centred around teaching cultural knowledge and traditions, for our children to hold cultural  identity with strength and pride. For us to break the cycle, and our children to confidently, and safely advocate for their communities. We work with purposeful partners that enable us to work to achieve our vision. Please send us a message if you think you might be able to help. #IDKYourself #BreakTheCycle

Today marks the 17th anniversary of National Apology Day to the Stolen Generations. But what do words of apology mean without meaningful change and action?   Seventeen years on from the National Apology, there is still an abundance of work to be done. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be overrepresented in out-of-home care at alarming rates. Underscored in the Government’s recent statements acknowledging that the Close the Gap targets remain significantly off track. Put into perspective, 22,908 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are currently in out-of-home care - making up 41% of all children in out-of-home care. (2024 Family Matters report).   Words are just words, without real change or action. That’s why today, we’re sharing our stories, resources and continuing conversations. To create a better tomorrow.   Please take a moment to listen to our founder and CEO Isaiah Dawe, sharing a personal message. We ask you reshare this post to your followers, to help educate and inspire others.   #NationalApologyDay #IDKYourself #BreakTheCycle

I’m excited to welcome Dr Terri Janke as the new Chair of ID Know Yourself. As CEO, I look forward to working closely with Terri to drive positive change for Aboriginal children impacted by the Out-of-Home Care, child protection, and justice systems in NSW. With an incredible Board guiding our work, Dr. Janke’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening identity, culture, and opportunities for First Nations kids in care. Terri is a proud Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam woman, Dr. Janke is a globally recognised authority on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and an Author of multiple books. She is the owner and Solicitor Director of the award-winning firm Terri Janke and Company bringing invaluable expertise and advocacy to our mission. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors she currently serves as a Director on the Australian Copyright Council. Her extensive past leadership roles include positions with the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Copyright Council, The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. (Deputy Chair), State Library of New South Wales, Jawun, Tourism Australia, and several other key organisations, including Chair of National Indigenous Television (NITV), and Ngalaya Indigenous Corporation Indigenous Lawyers Association. We are incredibly fortunate to have a leader of Dr. Janke’s caliber guiding our Board, and I can’t wait to see the impact we will create together. #IDKYChair #IDKYBoard #BreakTheCycle

Some really touching words from one of our recent mentees - just one of our many "whys." #BreakTheCycle #IDKYourself

"As chair of ID Know Yourself, I’m looking forward to empowering First Nations kids in care, strengthening identity, culture, and brighter futures" Helping to guide our program and the work we do, we have an incredible board supporting us, chaired by Dr Terri Janke. Dr Terri Janke is a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana and Meriam woman and an international authority on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. Dr Terri Janke is the owner and Solicitor Director of award winning legal and consulting firm, Terri Janke and Company. Terri is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course . She is currently a Director on the Copyright Agency Board. Her previous board positions include: National Gallery of Australia and the Australian Copyright Council; National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (Deputy Chair), State Library of NSW, Jawun, Tourism Australia, First Nations Rugby Committee (Chair), National Indigenous Television (Chair) and Ngalaya Indigenous Lawyers Association (Chair). We are very lucky to have someone with the depth of experience and dedication that Terri has. #IDKYourself #IDKY #BreakTheCycle

We believe in the importance of self-determination, cultural preservation and community-led organisations. This is why we were extremely disappointed in the lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations receiving funding around child protection. IDKY is an Aboriginal founded, led and staffed organisation, mentoring young people to feel proud of our culture, be advocated for and allow them to be heard. To donate and support the work at IDKY, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gnND8dV5

First Nations kids in out-of-home care may experience cultural loss, systemic harm, and generational trauma. However, it does not have to define their future or silence their voice. We’re here ID Know Yourself to help them heal, reconnect with culture and build brighter pathways forward. Together, we can #BreakTheCycle and empower a generation to reclaim their strength. It’s time to listen. It’s time to act. It’s time to change.

This Invasion Day, let’s stand together in solidarity and work toward a future that acknowledges the past and honours the rights of First Nations peoples. #InvasionDay #ChangeTheDate #SolidarityWithFirstNations #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #SupportIndigenous #JusticeForFirstNations #IDKY

SNAICC - National Voice for our Children’s Family Matters 2024 report showed that much more work needs to be done in NSW to support Aboriginal Young People and reach the Closing the Gap targets. As an Aboriginal led organisation based on Gadigal Land in NSW, we are passionate about breaking the cycle for young Aboriginal people in our community. To donate and support the work at IDKY, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gnND8dV5