On July 17th 2023, First Nations educators from many Nations will come together for the fifth face-to-face Utyerre Apanpe Forum which will focus on three main priorities:

1. Cultural empowerment, support, sharing and practice – to come together and support our First cultural educators in their professional cultural practice through connecting and having time to restore our spirits.

2. Creating a First Nations led education system run by our people that is fully recognised and supported by the Australian Government as a legitimate education system.

3. A national body that holds our cultural standards and provides the resources and support to First Nations communities across the country to establish their learning systems aligning with their country, leadership and governance from their communities.

Ahead of the Forum, Children’s Ground hosted a conversation with leading practitioners who are delivering a First Nations education system and discussed:

• What would/does a First Nations education system look like?
• How do we know it’s working? * How do we get to a self-determined system?
• What part does this play in conversations around The Voice?

Panellists: Sophia Mung and Lucinda Malgil from Purnululu Aboriginal Independent Community School, Fiona Lugnan and Alanah Jack from Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School and Lee Causer from Children’s Ground.

Registration has closed for this year’s Utyerre Apanpe (First Nations Education Network) Forum. If you want to hear about what was discussed and the 2024 Forum email campaigns@childrensground.org.au.