In recognition of NAIDOC Week last week, CREATE Foundation interviewed Isaiah Dawe, a young Aboriginal man who spent 18 years in care, for their latest Voices in Action podcast – a podcast giving voice to young people in care or with a care experience.
In this inspiring and insightful interview, Isaiah shares his story about life in the care system and the importance of being connected to culture and family. This episode addresses a number of issues faced by Aboriginal children and young people in care, including being disconnected to culture and family and having a lack of wholistic support and mentoring services available.
Isaiah says he didn’t know what it meant to be Aboriginal when he was growing up in care, and it wasn’t until he was 18 and left care that he finally reached out to his extended family.
Isaiah talks about the courage it took to connect with his family and community but as a result he now knows who he is and has a bigger direction in life.
“Once you connect with your Aboriginal culture and your family you will truly fill that void that you have in your heart, it will be filled up with all that love and respect… you’ll be able to feel the healing journey,” Isaiah says.
Isaiah is also the CEO and founder of ID. Know Yourself, an organisation supporting young Aboriginal people with a care experience to connect with their culture. Although ID Know Yourself is currently based in NSW, they are looking to expand to provide support to all Aboriginal children and young people in care across Australia.
Check out the podcast of the interview at CREATE Foundation’s website.
