Walking in Two Worlds

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.

My proudest, but also most challenging moment, is when I am faced with conflicting priorities and expectations between Western and First Nations protocols and responsibilities.

It is this predicament that has sparked an interest in the co-design space of project work. We are an organic society not bound by hierarchy. The code designed method of engagement and project scope enables a safe and culturally secure space, relevant to our values frameworks that will see meaningful change transcend boundaries. Building effective Indigenous engagement involves securing greater two-way accountability and legitimacy, whilst respecting and acknowledging the difference of opinion and diversity.

IPS recognises the importance of wrapping complementary services around Aboriginal businesses to help them succeed. Our recent engagement to deliver Aboriginal Business Capability Building Workshops, for Department of Finance WA, is testament to our passion to increase skills, confidence and capabilities in assisting businesses with economic sustainability, longevity and a strong market presence. With this contract we have the value add ability to facilitate workshops in contract compliance, tendering, business development and governance to Aboriginal businesses in the Perth, Peel, South West and Great Southern regions.