Our work supports the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including to self-determination and recognition of their unique place in this country.
Don Dunstan was a pioneer in tackling racial injustice and inequality in Australia. As well as being instrumental in the end of the White Australia Policy, his government introduced the first racial discrimination and Aboriginal land rights laws. Don’s impact is highlighted in this speech delivered in 1978 where he announced that the South Australian government would legislate for land rights for the Pitjantjatjara people.
The Foundation’s founding principles written by Don, include respect for, and protection of, the rights of Aboriginal peoples.
Our work in this area includes:
- The prestigious Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration, an annual event recognising the cultural respect between Don Dunstan and Dr O’Donoghue;
- Supporting the OUR MOB art prize;
- New policy work in areas impacting First Nations communities, including climate justice, addressing the housing crisis, and encouraging evidence-based approaches to youth justice.
For more insight into this topic, check out the links to resources below.
Report: Aboriginal Participation in the South Australian Economy
As part of the 2017 and 2018 Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program, a report was commissioned by the Don Dunstan Foundation to identify ways to increase Aboriginal participation in the South Australian economy.
To see the Foundation’s previous work on Aboriginal Empowerment, check out our resource library.
Helpful Resources
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a statement written by First Nations people inviting all Australians to walk together and bring about better futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Click here to read the series of First Nations Regional Dialogues which resulted in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Reconciliation SA and Reconciliation Australia are not-for-profit organisations who provide advocacy, support and leadership to help people and organisations to promote the reconciliation movement across Australia.
The South Australian Native Title Services are a not-for-profit company who deliver a range of services to assist Aboriginal people in South Australia to gain recognition and protect their native title rights and interests.
We encourage you to support local Aboriginal businesses – check out Supply Nation and the Aboriginal Business Register.
Jailing is Failing Aboriginal Peoples
The Don Dunstan Foundation is a supporter of the Justice Reform Initiative – an alliance of people and organisations who believe jailing is failing and that there is an urgent need to reduce the number of people in Australian prisons.
More than 30 years after the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody handed down its landmark report, many recommendations remain unimplemented. The proportion of Aboriginal peoples in our prisons is unacceptable and new policy approaches are required.
Youth justice is a key priority of the Foundation, particularly the shameful incarceration rates of Aboriginal children and young people. Read the reports below on the need to build a better youth justice system, and the #RaiseTheAge campaign to change the law to raise the age at which young people can be sent to prison to 14 years (the minimum age is currently 10 years).
