Blake Iles, a young advocate for children in out-of-home care, had a transformative experience in high school when he was invited to do a Welcome to Country. This moment sparked a deep curiosity in exploring and celebrating his Indigenous heritage, leading him to join a dance group and eventually work with Groove Co., a company that delivers cultural programs in schools. Iles notes that Indigenous children in Rockhampton and beyond often lack opportunities to connect with their culture, which can have long-lasting effects on their sense of identity.
According to the SNAICC’s 2023 Family Matters Report, there are over 22,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care, with less than half placed with Indigenous carers. Natalie Lewis, the QFCC Commissioner, emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections to kin, Country, and culture for the development of identity in Indigenous youth. She warns that without this connection, young people may seek belonging elsewhere, potentially leading to negative outcomes such as involvement in youth offending. Lewis stresses that cultural identity is not an optional extra but a crucial protective factor for children in care.
Lewis, a descendant of the Gamilaraay Nation, highlights the strength of culture in protecting children from harmful influences and stresses the lifelong impact of severing a child’s connection to their family, community, language, and Country. She emphasizes that decisions regarding Indigenous children in care must prioritize maintaining these connections in order to prevent negative outcomes and support positive identity formation. The Commissioner underscores the role of culture as a fundamental aspect of every child’s well-being, with significant implications for their future trajectory and sense of self.
Iles acknowledges that his own life could have taken a different path had he not reconnected with his culture, which motivates him to continue advocating for Indigenous children to have the same opportunities he had. He believes that giving young people the chance to express and engage with their culture is a valuable and transformative experience. Through his work with Groove Co. and other initiatives, Iles seeks to provide Indigenous children with the support and resources they need to explore and celebrate their heritage, recognizing the profound impact this can have on their sense of belonging and self-identity.
Overall, the importance of maintaining cultural connections for Indigenous children in out-of-home care cannot be overstated. Organizations like Groove Co. and advocates like Blake Iles are working to provide opportunities for young people to engage with their culture and heritage, recognizing the profound impact this can have on their well-being and sense of identity. By prioritizing culture as a protective factor and advocating for the rights of Indigenous children to explore and celebrate their heritage, we can support positive outcomes for young people in care and empower them to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
