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(27 May – 3 June)
 IPS Executive Director Jahna Cedar Earlier this year, IPS Executive Director Jahna Cedar spoke at the Our Community Grantmaking Intelligence Conference. Jahna was part of a three-person panel which sought to cast a spotlight on some of the biggest issues facing Australia and the world today, and what grantmakers can do to help. Below, Jahna shares her responses to some of the questions asked at the conference. Her responses highlight the key ways in which grantmakers can increase accessibility of funding for First Nations people, and why it is becoming increasingly important to do so. How can funders and grantmakers be more inclusive of First Nations people? The opportunity to secure grants is integral to the establishment of many businesses seeking the initial capital to leverage for further investment. It allows for some quick wins, which in turn builds reputation and rapport in the market. It also allows business to demonstrate competitive advantage. The issue for many First Nations People is the competitiveness of non-Aboriginal people impeding and crowding in this space through black cladding.¹ Indigenous businesses need to start collaborating in order to reclaim their space. It comes back to self-determination and building economic sustainability. We are experts in our own right, with lived experience that we can utilise to support real and tangible change in community. Every funder should take the following into consideration when developing programs to dispense funds to Aboriginal people:
What are three practical take-aways you would like to give grantmakers in addressing inclusivity of First Nations people?
Supply Nation’s ‘The Sleeping Giant’ report highlighted the social return on investment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Key findings of the report found that for every dollar of revenue raised, Certified Suppliers create $4.41 of economic and social value within their community. This was found to be even higher in small Indigenous businesses. Indigenous businesses were also found to employ more than 30 times the proportion of Indigenous people than other people, provide training to their staff and owners, employees and communities were found to be very proud of Indigenous businesses. Business owners were found to reinvest revenue directly into their community and provide generational security for their family. What role do you see for “consumer voices” in grantmaking decision-making? Can a grantmaker give grants to the types of causes you support without a representative of those causes on the decision-making body? A key to inclusion is in facilitating an Indigenous-led, designed and built solution. Co-design is about working together differently, with those affected by decisions involved in its design. The co-design approach is about power sharing, creating different norms, building on strengths, mutual learning and sharing knowledge. It brings together new perspectives and reframes thinking, respecting Indigenous methodologies and terms of reference. It is crucial that these voices are at the decision-making table. ¹. Black Cladding: the practice of a non-Indigenous business entity or individual taking unfair advantage of an Indigenous business entity or individual for the purpose of gaining access to otherwise inaccessible Indigenous procurement policies or contracts. - Supply Nation). IPS is a Supply Nation Certified business. We specialise in Indigenous capacity building and engagement services. To find out more, head to our Indigenous Advisory page.
 Jahna Cedar with Nana Sharyn Derschow, Ratehi Hirini, and Nana Doris Eaton By Jahna Cedar
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which we meet today. I cherish and respect their connection to land, cultural heritage and belief systems. As a first nations woman from the Pilbara region, I value these ancient systems and understand that they are thriving, evolving and will empower and enhance all of Australia. My name is Jahna Cedar and I am a proud Nyiyaparli and Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with family connection to Beagle Bay and Turkey Creek. As a young woman from Marble Bar and Port Hedland, I have been fortunate to be raised and surrounded by strong Indigenous men and woman who have advocated for the rights and acknowledgement of our people. It is due to the strength of my ancestors and their fight for justice and equality that I can live the life I have. I am eternally grateful. One of the biggest legacies, was that of the 1946 Pilbara Pastoralist strike. On 1 May 1945, 800 Aboriginal Pastoral workers from 27 Stations in WA walked off their job for better pay and conditions. This was the first industrial action by Indigenous Australians since colonisation in 1788, and predates the famous Wave Hill Strike in the Northern Territory by twenty years; no longer would payment of wages in tobacco, flour and tea be accepted. On the stations, there were no phones or radios, and the Aboriginal workers could not read or write English. Clancy McKenna, Dooley Binbin, Peter Coppin, Don McLeod and Ernie Mitchell were among the strike leaders. Whilst they have now passed, I note that these courageous trailblazers have left a legacy, a legacy which many of their descendants still carry today through ongoing calls for justice. One of these activists is Mrs. Doris Eaton. A strong matriarch with cultural authority, knowledge, skills and commitment who has endured many battles, yet remains steadfast in her quest for unity and accountability. Their innovative approach to spreading the word of the strike over 10,000 square kms is inspirational. Although the strike ended in 1949 with the agreement of award rates, many of the strikers never returned to the stations, crippling the industry. This knowledge of my history and the innovation of our people for economic independence demonstrated through their ability to communicate over vast distances, regardless of having all odds against them, has given me a fire and passion to want to learn and give back to my community. I urge you all to watch “How the West was Lost” directed by David Noakes, which documents this significant event. Or attend the many events that are being held in commemoration of the event around WA. Today, I pay respects to those leaders who stood up for social justice, equity and equality. Thank you for showing true selfless leadership. Thank you also to those who come behind these heroes to ensure history is not forgotten, to educate and chart a new path for our people and who enable us to stand on their shoulders in activism. |
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IPS Management Consultants acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present, and we extend that respect to all First Nations people.