Unity in Diversity – Breaking Cultural Barriers: A Journey Toward Inclusive Governance
By Jahna Cedar OAM

"It’s time to ‘change the narrative’ for all culturally diverse women - breaking cultural barriers"

In the heart of Western Australia lies a haunting silence, broken only by the whispers of families and communities who are mourning their lost sons. The Kimberley and Pilbara regions, known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, have become a ground zero for a troubling epidemic: the disappearance of young Aboriginal men.

Whilst attending IWI-Indigenous Women in Industry in Aotearoa (NZ) last week, I was fortunate to hear from a panel of trailblazers in the government and governance space, at Tūrangawaewae Marae (home of the Maori King movement)

In the ever-evolving landscape of the workplace, organisations are placing increasing emphasis on coaching as a transformative tool for employee development. Among its benefits, coaching plays a crucial role in succession planning, building confidence, and fostering individual growth. According to the International Coaching Federation, “65% of staff in companies were coaching is valued, are highly engaged.”

Navigating the Path to Inclusion: Combating Microaggressions in the Workplace. As a First Nations woman, working in a corporate environment, I am constantly asked to guide clients on how to respond to challenging situations between Western and First Nations protocols and responsibilities, but also tackling unconscious biases.

I have committed the last 20 years to work with and for my Elders and people. I have been raised to respect cultural authority and appreciate the wisdom, knowledge and teachings afforded to me. I have also been raised to stand my ground when I see behaviour that is unethical or illegal. Sometimes this causes a clash between western accountabilities and governance and culture. Navigating in this space is where it becomes difficult. Ultimately, I make decisions that I can live with and that are legal.

In this essential reading, the Community Directors Council reveal the actions your group must take to survive COVID-19

We can’t know where we are going, without knowing where we have come from! Did you know that many Aboriginal children, especially of mixed descent, were forcibly removed from their families and placed into missions, orphanages and children's homes during the first half of the 1900s. The WA Aborigines Act of 1905 gave the “Chief Protector of Aborigines” complete power over Aboriginal people and guardianships of all children to age 16.

My name is Jahna Cedar and I am a Nyiyaparli woman (Burrungu Skin Group) from the Pilbara who has spent the last 18 years working both in Australia, and overseas at the United Nations, advocating for equality and social justice for Aboriginal people and business management. As the Director for Indigenous Affairs, policy and evaluation at IPS Management, I bring a wealth of knowledge as a multidimensional first nation’s woman, experience in walking in two worlds, ability to customise international Indigenous best practice frameworks for business sustainability, engagement and empowerment.