First Nations' Resources

 

 

  • AHRC Bringing them Home video (30min)
    • Please note: the content of this video is at times very emotional and may be difficult to watch at times… I’d recommend a packet of tissues handy as most people can’t help but shed a few tears. Perhaps even watch it with a friend, so you can have a bit of a chat and debrief afterwards. Even though it can be an emotional journey, it is essential viewing for anyone who genuinely wishes to understand what the “Stolen Generations” refers to, and how deeply Aboriginal people and their families were impacted.
  • National Apology 2008 video (30min) Then Prime Minister, The Hon. Kevin Rudd’s, apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February 2008.
  • The Bringing them Home Report For those who would like to read the full report, and gain deeper insight about the Stolen Generations.
  • Bringing them Home website/resources
  • Closing the Gap Report 2020 In his Apology speech, you will hear Kevin Rudd mention “Close the Gap”. View a copy of the latest Closing the Gap Report here.
  • National Reconciliation Week – Reconciliation Australia website/resources
  • Intergenerational Trauma This link provides a good explanation of what intergenerational trauma is, how it can impact Aboriginal people and communities, and how it can be acknowledged in developing appropriate programs and responses to community needs

Engaging with Aboriginal People and Communities

 

 

Aboriginal culture and the workplace – how different cultural values can influence perspectives and approaches to work. Aboriginal family and community responsibilities versus work commitments and expectations – finding reasonable and respectful solutions.

Differences between Indigenous cultural values and Western cultural values

Family and kinship connections

Communication: use of language, body language, self-confidence, eye contact, etc. 

Further discussion

Nathan Tyson works with the Synod in the role of Manager, First Peoples Strategy and Engagement. Nathan is an Aboriginal man who has spent most of his life in Sydney and is of Anaiwon/Gomeroi descent (with connections to the Brown, Munro and Sullivan families from the Tingha region in North Western NSW).

Nathan has an extensive career working across Government, Corporate, Community and Academic sectors, primarily in human rights, advocacy, consumer protection, and community engagement. Nathan has University qualifications in Law, Jurisprudence and Management has held a number of elected Executive roles with Aboriginal groups and organisations.

Part of Nathan’s role with the Synod is to support Presbyteries and Congregations who wish to learn more about First Peoples histories, cultures, issues and perspectives, and who may wish to build and/or strengthen relationships with local Aboriginal communities and organisations.

Nathan is happy to participate in a Zoom discussion with your Presbytery/Congregation/workplace group and can be invited to attend gatherings of a Congregation or Presbytery (for example a Sunday Service, or meeting of a Social Justice Group) to speak about issues relating to:

  • The Uniting Church’s Covenant Statement of 1994;
  • How Congregations can build relationships with the UIACC;
  • The Voice/Treaty/Truth issues raised through the Statement from the Heart
  • How Congregations can build/strengthen local relationships with Aboriginal people/communities in NSW and the ACT.
  • His personal perspectives on a range of current issues through a Q&A session.

Nathan spoke at the Healthy Churches Expo in 2020. Watch his session on Supporting First Nations peoples and communities - Covenanting in 2020 and beyond here. 

Feel free to give Nathan a call to discuss how he might assist your Presbytery or Congregation (0474 908 460) or contact him via email: NathanT@nswact.uca.org.au