Seven young First Nations leaders from Cape York recently completed a leadership program, spanning seven weeks, which featured a series of intensive workshops designed to foster personal growth, leadership development and cultural understanding.
The workshops, conducted by Cape York Institute Leadership Academy’s Skills to Lead program, allowed participants to explore various aspects of leadership and self-awareness in a culturally resonant context. Topics included self-awareness, discovering their personal “why,” personal reinventions and the unique challenges of leading teams within their communities.
With the sun still breaking the horizon on the day of their final workshop, they set out through Guugu Yimidhirr and Kuku Yalanji country on their way to Wujal Wujal. Their goal: to create a connection with Elders and community members in Wujal Wujal, with a focus on their reflections around Cyclone Jasper and the flooding that devastated their small community.
On the way to Wujal Wujal, local Keshiah Sykes said she was keen to show the other participants around her hometown. “It makes me feel proud not only being a participant of the program, but to also to host other participants on my country of Eastern Kuku Yalanji,” she said.
Upon arrival, the young leaders immersed themselves in a smoking and cleansing ceremony with elders Kathleen Walker, Billy Harrigan and Robert Bloomfield before making the trek to Wujal Wujal falls.
During group introductions and sharing of family connections, Aunty Kathleen was proud to learn that few of the program participants were family.
“I assumed we were all strangers, but we are family,” Aunty Kathleen said.
The group then shared a series of powerful dialogues with the leaders listening to stories of resilience, and shared experiences while discussing the ongoing challenges faced by the community. These conversations not only honoured the wisdom of the Elders but also provided the younger leaders with invaluable insights that will shape their future endeavours.
“This is my bubu, this our home, I do not want to go anywhere,” Aunty Kathleen said.
“We must be prepared for the worst, climate is always changing,” Uncle Billy added.
Hope Vale participant Harry Bowen talked about the importance of connecting to Country and learning from the Elders. “If we care for the land, the land will care for us,” he said.
The young leaders left Wujal Wujal feeling enlightened by the Elders’ stories. They then took the short journey to Dabu Jajikal Aboriginal Corporation at Ayton. Here they met with Aunty Gladys and Uncle Cedric who talked about their Country, their pride for the land and what it means to be a leader. They emphasised the need to protect, preserve and respect the land. To learn from the land. It was here the program highlighted the distinct nature of First Nations leadership, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage, collective responsibility and the vital role of Elders in guiding the community. The leaders found that traditional approaches to leadership in First Nations communities differ significantly from mainstream models, with a stronger emphasis on relational dynamics and community wellbeing.
It was a session of deep listening for the young participants as they soaked in the words of Aunty Gladys and Uncle Cedric.
The next morning, the participants were presented with certificates of completion representing their readiness to move forward and implement the newfound leadership values in their professional and personal lives. Participant Stelton Britcher reflected on what the program meant for his potential as a future leader of his community.
“I feel really proud of this certificate,” he said. “Our community needs more leadership programs like this.”
This program represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to nurture strong, culturally grounded leadership with First Nations communities, ensuring that the voices of the Elders continue to guide the path forward.
As the community reflects on the outcomes of these workshops, there is a strong sense of hope and renewed purpose among the participants. The project has not only strengthened intergenerational ties, but also empowered these leaders to take on future challenges with greater confidence and cultural pride.
These workshops were made possible thanks to an Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant from the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.