The head of an Indigenous organisation which assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in education and employment has encouraged the group's stakeholders and supporters to increase support for First Nations students and their communities following the defeat of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
In an email sent to stakeholders which was shared with National Indigenous Times by a recipient, Aurora Education Foundation chief executive Leila Smith said "a new chapter in our journey towards change" has begun.
"Despite the outcome of this referendum, we are still working for a better future for the generations that come after us – for a society in which First Peoples determine their own aspirations through education and lifelong learning," Ms Smith said.
The proud Wiradjuri woman and first Indigenous CEO of the Aurora Education Foundation, Ms Smith said in light of a 'No' vote, the Foundation's work has become even more important.
"If anything, it shows us just how urgent our work at Aurora really is," Ms Smith said.
"We will continue to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to help them thrive in whatever path they choose. We will continue to shift the conversation to one of proud and talented Indigenous young people with limitless potential.
"And we will continue to unravel centuries of systematic and structural barriers, to build a pipeline of Indigenous leaders and create an education system where our kids are supported to be strong in their culture and in their learning."
Ms Smith said regardless of how the Australian public voted, or what they hoped the outcome would be, their support of initiatives which benefit Indigenous students is crucial in making the visions of aspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a reality.
"While there might not be a Voice to Parliament, we aren't voiceless. At Aurora, we will continue to support pathways for change and create opportunities for our communities to be heard, because we are the experts in what's best for us – we always have been," she said.
"Our Redefining Indigenous Success in Education initiative is just one example where we are creating opportunities for Indigenous students and families to have a say and to be heard across the education sector.
"Early insights show that our students have a deep awareness of how the education system restricts opportunities for Indigenous students. Insights also show how Indigenous students and families know what they want from their schooling experience – they know what success at school means to them."
Ms Smith said although the Voice referendum was unsuccessful, there are numerous ways Australians can "show up in support" of First Nations peoples and communities.
They include attending Indigenous cultural and community events, visiting an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander art gallery, reading a book by a First Nations author or listening to a podcast or playlist of Indigenous artists on a music-sharing platform.
"The journey to this point has not been easy for so many of us. For many, it will take time to process and heal. We will continue to support our staff, students and entire Aurora community, and I hope you will join us in solidarity to create a better future," she said.
