First Nation community leaders videos

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To recognise Reconciliation Week, Tea Tree Gully Council hosted a round-table discussion with First Nation elders and community leaders.

These educational videos offer an insight into what Reconciliation means.

The First Nation elders and community leaders in the videos have all contributed to the City of Tea Tree Gully, and we have benefited greatly from their involvement.

The theme of Reconciliation Week for 2022 was to be brave and make change.

Reconciliation Week panel discussion videos

Select the video titles below to play the videos in Youtube.

A teachers' guide has also been created to assist classroom discussions.

Download the teachers' guide(PDF, 91KB)

Full video transcript(PDF, 121KB)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these videos are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the City of Tea Tree Gully.

First Nation elders and community leaders

For more information on the First Nation elders and community leaders appearing in this video series, click on their names below.

David Rathman (AM) Member of the Order of Australia

David Rathman is a proud Eastern Aranda descendant with family connections with Kokatha, Arabunna and a number of other traditional groups in South Australia. His distinguished career began working in media for the ABC and radio, which transitioned to social planner, Aboriginal education and Director, Office of Aboriginal Affairs. From 1992 David was the CEO of the Department of State Aboriginal Affairs, Executive Director of Aboriginal Education and Employment Services, 2008 Executive Director of DECS delivering education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people, and 2014 as Executive Director of Aboriginal and Family Services. He has been appointed to numerous boards from the SA Museum to the University of SA. He continues his work as director of the Aboriginal legal rights movement and co-chair of UNISA RAP community and SA Water RAP committee. David currently operates a consultancy business advocating for Aboriginal issues. This is but a glimpse of David Rathman’s achievements as an Aboriginal statesman for South Australia. He has been awarded the Public Service Medal in 1993 and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders. On Australia Day in 2000 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Frank Wanganeen

Frank Wanganeen is a Kaurna elder born at Wallaroo on Narungga country. Frank has been involved in various committees about reconciliation, Aboriginal heritage, native title, social justice and the revival of the Kaurna language. He also operates the Kaurna Cultural Walking Tours in Adelaide as a cultural educator who creates awareness of Kaurna cultural heritage and Aboriginal issues.

Sasha Hill

Sasha Hill is a Yamatji/Noongar woman from the Central Western Desert. Sasha is an artist and also a social worker who uses art therapy and Aboriginal ways of being and doing in her practice. Her painting style is characterised by dot work, symbols and bright colours which is all common to central western desert.

Follow Sasha on Instagram Sasha Hill Arts

Tamaru

Tamaru is a proud Narungga/ Kaurna. He is a teacher and consultant of Kaurna culture and language from ELC to universities. He advocates and consults on reconciliation action plans in the public and private sector. Tamaru is passionate about Kaurna language and biodiversity.

Khyleesha Welgraven

Khyleesha Welgraven is a proud young Adnyamathanha, Kokatha and Arrente woman. She is a college captain at Kildare College where she is also currently completing Year 12 and her Commonwealth Bank Traineeship. Khyleesha has a strong belief that change starts within us, so she advocates about social justice to empower others to be themselves in a safe and welcoming environment.