Amplifying the Voices of Aboriginal Children and Young People Through Wakwakurna Kanyini
At The Guardian’s Office, we are thrilled about the launch of Wakwakurna Kanyini, the new peak body for Aboriginal Children and Families!
The South Australian government has invested $3.2 million into the establishment of the body, to amplify the voices of Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia. Wakwakurna Kanyini, meaning “holding on to our children” in English, is a combination of Kaurna and Pitjantjatjara. Wakwakurna is the Kaurna word for children, while Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word with a complex meaning that loosely translates to interconnectedness, nurture and support for family, country and community.
Earlier this year, Ashum Owen was appointed as the inaugural CEO of Wakwakurna Kanyini. Ashum is a proud Kaurna, Narungga, and Ngarrindjeri woman, who brings a wealth of experience in law, policy, and advocacy to the role.
We caught up with Ashum recently, to talk about her vision for the peak body and how it can uphold the rights of Aboriginal children and young people throughout South Australia to ensure they grow up strong, connected to family, culture and Country.
You can read what Ashum had to say below!
Interview with Ashum Owen, CEO of Wakwakurna Kanyini
As CEO of Wakwakurna Kanyini, Ashum understands the importance of youth voice and said to truly represent the voices of Aboriginal young people, we need effective mechanisms that allow them to contribute meaningfully. Whether through a dedicated youth advisory group or another innovative approach, it’s essential that we find ways to integrate the perspectives of young people into the decision-making processes at every level. This means actively seeking input from young people in every region of South Australia, ensuring that diverse voices and lived experience are heard and valued.
An important question Ashum raised is how Wakwakurna Kanyini can leverage its authority and leadership to reintroduce effective practices that have historically worked in keeping children within their families. Ashum said instead of reinventing the wheel, the focus should be on collaboration—drawing on what we know from past successes to implement practical solutions today. Ashum stated that Wakwakurna Kanyini is committed to supporting young people and their families from the very beginning, rather than waiting until a crisis necessitates intervention and potential removal. While there are times when children must be removed for their safety, we must continually ask ourselves how we can keep young people connected to their families, communities, and culture. The wisdom and solutions often lie within the Aboriginal community itself, rooted in the experiences of past leaders and advocates.
Ashum recognises that adapting to changing legislation and circumstances is a continuous process for Aboriginal peoples, communities, and organisations. To navigate these complexities, we must ensure that there are clear pathways for young people to voice their experiences, concerns, and successes. Without these mechanisms in place, it becomes challenging for Wakwakurna Kanyini to fully represent the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal young people.
Ashum stated that Wakwakurna Kanyini are committed to working alongside the Office of the Guardian and other bodies, such as the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, who are already engaging with young people to amplify their voices. Our goal is to avoid working in silos; instead, we want to create a collaborative environment where the voices of young people can be heard and acted upon. Ashum highlights the importance of initiatives like “From Those Who Know,” which documents the voices and experiences of young people in care or detention. Ashum said these reports serve as vital resources, informing our efforts and ensuring that the insights of young people are central to our work.
By harnessing existing frameworks and prioritising collaboration, Wakwakurna Kanyini aims to create a brighter future for Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia. Together, we can build a system that truly listens to and supports the voices of our children and young people, ensuring they are empowered to shape their own futures.
