National Reconciliation Week | Dr. Rishelle Hume

This week is National Reconciliation Week; a time where all Australians have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and how each of us can contribute to reconciliation within Australia. We sat down with Athletics Australia RAP Advisory Group member Dr. Rishelle Hume AM to talk about how reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all as we move forward.
 
A proud Noongar Woman with traditional ties to the Whadjuk, Ballardong and Gnaala Karla Boodja peoples and a proud mother of three children, Dr. Rishelle Hume has made ways in following the footsteps of her grandparents, Noongar Wadjuk Elders, Mr Patrick and Ms Lorna Hume who spent their lives tirelessly promoting Aboriginal Rights and the Noongar culture.

With nearly three decades of experience in Aboriginal engagement ranging from employment, education, justice and health, Dr. Hume is also a Director on the Boards of Athletics West, the Western Australian Institute of Sport, the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum, and ambassador of the EON Foundation and Helping Little Hands. She is also the Co-Founder of the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute. 

Who have been your greatest sources of inspiration in getting involved with Indigenous communities and advocating for Aboriginal rights? 

The greatest inspiration in my life has been my grandparents. They were both heavily involved in the advancement of Aboriginal people in the late 1970’s and 80’s, which was a time where Aboriginal people had to fight for every basic human right from health care, equal employment opportunities, education and housing to name a few. I grew up watching my grandparents spending their lives promoting Aboriginal rights and Noongar culture within both government departments and the wider community. It is because of them, I too have decided to devote my life to the same causes.  Because of their positive influence on me, I have been driven to enhance and improve opportunities for Aboriginal people in all areas within the community. I do this because I strive to keep their legacy alive and to ensure Aboriginal people have a voice.
I am actively involved in various Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community organisations.  I find this part of my life extremely rewarding as it is my way of giving back to my community to make a difference for the better. This is all of the above and beyond work.

You’ve achieved a lot in your career, particularly in your work in Aboriginal engagement. What have been some of the highlights for you?

This is a hard one...  I have many highlights over the years however, it is nice to be recognised by my community and Elders though I don’t do it for that.  It’s about making an impact for the better that has a lasting difference in the lives of so many.  It is about making meaningful change.  Advice that I always provide is that you can do anything you set your mind too. Believe in yourself and have the vision, passion and dedication to make a difference. 

Why is National Reconciliation Week important, both personally to you and for Indigenous communities?

This year’s theme, Be a voice for generations,  encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all. 

Reconciliation is about strengthening the connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples for the benefit of all Australians. It is a time where all Australian have the opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievement and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation within Australia.  It is a great opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal culture and promote cultural exchange and understanding.  

What reconciliation means to me is establishing and maintain a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. Coming together, getting to know one another and working alongside each other now and into the future. It is about all of us walking together as one people and one voice. To have an awareness of the past histories and make a better future for all.  It’s not about just one week of the year, it is about what we can all do 365 days of the year.  I hope to make positive change for my people where we can create a future and we are no longer talk about “closing the gap” because there is no gap to close.  

How have you seen progress in this space over the years you’ve worked in Aboriginal engagement?

Australia has developed a strong foundation for reconciliation and significant steps have been made over the last 25 years that I have seen especially with the establishment of Reconciliation Australia. I feel the support for reconciliation is growing and that more and more Australian’s now understand the past impacts on First Nations families and communities.  However there is still so much to be done. 

Reconciliation requires the Australian community to recognise and respect the First Peoples of this land, to acknowledge the past injustices, and the ongoing inequalities, experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation, and to commit to working towards a more equal and respectful future.  We are certainly on the journey and made great inroads. 

Tell us about some of the work you’re doing as part of the RAP Advisory Group at Athletics Australia.

I have just joined the Advisory Group and there are a few new members.  However, we will continue to support AA as an organisation in its journey towards supporting reconciliation for all Australians, joining over a thousand other organisations that now have Reconciliation Action Plans. We also we guide the development of actively contribute to the delivery of Athletics Australia’s second RAP. Finally, we will provide strategic advice to AA management on aspects of engagement with First Nations people including programs and initiatives.   

How have you seen programs like Raise The Bar change the lives of Indigenous youth?

Raise the Bar program is certainly improving the social, health and educational outcomes for program participants. I have seen participants progress from year 10 to year 11 and onwards and others being offered placements at TAFE and University (Residential Camp Program).  Positive outcomes and sustainable relationships are being made with Aboriginal communities.  
  
Why is so important that sports like Athletics Australia invest into reconciliation plans and projects specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Sport can help break down barriers and assist with entry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The diversity of sports and sporting activities (including social sport and physical recreation) make sport an ideal medium to reach individuals from every age-group, culture, and socio-economic background. Sport can help/assist with role models, education, mentoring and health and well-being programs, just to name a few.

How can Australians support and learn about reconciliation?

By learning about significant events within reconciliation week, such as knowing that 27th May marks the Referendum and that June 3rd marks the anniversary of the High Court Mabo Decision.

Other ways include acknowledging the Traditional Owner of the land that you live on, explore Indigenous histories and culture, reflect on National Sorry Day and get ready for NAIDOC Week.

Athletics Australia is committed to providing participation and development opportunities to all First Nations communities. Find out more about our First Nations programs and our RAP Advisory Group here.

Posted: 2/6/2022