Our voice, our business, our way
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 125 No 8, 6 November 2020, page no. 24
Niina marni, hello.
I want to proudly acknowledge the deep and strong history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Union activists within the QTU. We all stand today on the shoulders of those who paved the way and must never forget to pay forward and clear the path for our future leaders.
The position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer of the QTU is the culmination of many years of hard work by Gandu Jarjum and QTU activists. This position exists because of the advocacy of not only our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, but our non-Indigenous colleagues and allies as well.
The work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer will focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members with cultural knowledge, safety and integrity. It will focus on the development of policy, creating strong networks among members, facilitate community and interagency connections and develop awareness campaigns to enhance outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The work will engage and challenge all members to understand and engage with the act of reconciliation and the decolonisation of curriculum.
I will work with Gandu Jarjum to discuss important issues, future events and help to formulate the QTU’s response to departmental policy, significant anniversaries, weeks and days that celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and remember their history. Working closely with the AEU and the FNWA, I will facilitate activist and support networks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.
At the very heart of this work is the act of consultation, yarning and deep listening. Sharing stories, holding the words and actions of our mob close. Celebrating and sharing our many successes and nurturing the next generation of deadly leaders.
Until next time, nakutha.
Rachel Bos
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer