The Fred Hollows Foundation and the Jawoyn Association are providing opportunities for young Indigenous people to interact and learn from their elders through hearing the stories of the Jawoyn people, culture and history.

The Foundation provided activities for children to work directly with songmen, dancers, artists and story-tellers at the Jawoyn Association's recent Annual General Meeting held at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge).

Historically, this site was used as a meeting place where Jawoyn people would gather for important ceremonies.

During the workshops, children were encouraged to participate in creative activities to reconnect with their own culture and history in a hands-on environment. The workshops also introduced the children to the association's governance and issues of importance to the Jawoyn people.

Background

In the late 1990s, The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia expanded its approach to Indigenous Health.

The Jawoyn Association (traditional landowners of the Jawoyn region east of Katherine, Northern Territory) approached The Foundation to assist them in improving nutrition and health for their people.

This invitation allowed The Foundation to fulfill Fred's vision of helping tackle the broader health issues affecting Indigenous people in an appropriate and meaningful way.

In 2000, a formal agreement was made with the Jawoyn Association, Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and other local Indigenous organisations.

The Foundation has worked in a cooperative and successful partnership ever since with key initiatives such as eye health services, nutrition, literacy, child and maternal health, women's centres, cultural events, advocacy and community capacity building.