In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgement to country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.

Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

The National Indigenous Juvenile Justice Conference aims to empower youth through cultural resilience, drawing on traditional knowledge and practices for healing and justice. It seeks to foster dialogue on reconciliation, advocate for systemic reform to address the overrepresentation of First Nations youth in the justice system, loss of cultural values, norms, dispossession, colonisation and the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities were believed to be contributing factors of social and economic disadvantage of Indigenous peoples who come in contact with the criminal justice system. This year’s conference will explore trauma-informed, prevention-focused approaches to provide First Nations youth with the support and opportunities needed for positive futures.

The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate open and frank discussion through the sharing of traditional knowledge and strengths to overcome adversity and fosters partnerships between governments, service providers and First Nations communities. It's designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environment to further develop strength, unity and education. Moreover, one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous peoples have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference.

• Reduce First Nations youth incarcerations

• Provide an open and frank forum for discussion

• Lend support to individuals and families working in the Justice system

• Help establish and grow a worldwide network and resources through information sharing

• Show that there are great efforts being made to make change

• Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects

• To bring together all sectors of the community as a united voice to say there are alternatives to juvenile incarceration

• Bring together researchers, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/developers & organisations

• Networking and lend support to individuals and groups working in the justice system

• To foster partnerships between Government, Service Providers, Community groups and individuals  

This year’s conference theme, "Healing, Empowerment, and Reform: Culturally Grounded Solutions for First Nations Youth in Juvenile Justice," highlights the need for culturally informed, community-driven approaches to support First Nations youth in the justice system. It advocates for systemic reform, focusing on healing, empowerment, and prevention, while drawing on traditional knowledge to break the cycle of incarceration.

Before European settlement and the introduction of foreign diseases, alcohol and other detriments, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture was vibrant and strong with spiritual and family lore that were guiding principles to a way of life that existed for centuries. It has now succumbed to bright lights and the trappings of modern day society.

Throughout the decades we have seen the erosion and destruction of our language, customs and spiritual well being. The dynamics of contemporary Australia showing seventy percent (70%) of Indigenous people live in an urban setting. A question we ask you to consider - What if Captain Cook didn’t land on the shore of the East Coast of Australia, but in a far more remote area? Would Australia’s east coast be what it is today?

The backbone of our existence is family, custom & spirituality. During group discussions we would like to explore past and present experiences, leading into future strategies & goals to empower our people in our communities. We believe that through sharing of experiences and knowledge, we become stronger as a collective. The opportunity to discuss juvenile justice issues in an open, transparent and culturally sensitive forum has become a vital networking source to develop collaborative approaches for the betterment of Indigenous people's overall wellbeing.

Indigenous peoples, nationally and internationally, will come together in an environment that can lead to the sharing of information via their cultural and historical values.  This conference is designed to inspire and enable Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples, services and other partners to take control, step up and take action to the next level, to ensure the rights and self determination of First Nations Peoples are upheld. To honour our Indigenous men, women, youth and the whole family – their strength and resilience – by listening to their stories and strategies, learning from their experiences and committing to systemic change to protect the rights of our children, families and cultures. To honour also the knowledge of our men, Elders and wisdom of our cultural responses, sharing successes and struggles to chart effective, evidence-informed ways forward. The conference provides a forum to discuss solutions by Indigenous peoples and to connect and acquire knowledge from each other to heal the spirit, heal the earth, and sustain cultural practices for this generation and for the future generations to come.

First Nations Leaders and Elders – To share traditional knowledge and cultural perspectives that can guide reform and healing practices in the juvenile justice system.

Juvenile Justice Professionals – Including judges, lawyers, probation officers, and social workers, who are working directly with young people in the justice system.

Policy Makers and Government Representatives – To engage in meaningful dialogue about systemic reform and advocate for changes to current policies affecting First Nations youth.

Indigenous Youth Advocates and Activists – Those working on the frontlines to support and uplift First Nations youth and advocate for their rights within the justice system.

Community Leaders and Organizations – Especially those who are implementing grassroots programs for youth diversion, rehabilitation, and prevention.

Academics and Researchers – Experts in juvenile justice, Indigenous studies, social work, and criminology who can contribute evidence-based insights and research findings.

Healthcare and Trauma Professionals – To discuss and develop trauma-informed care practices for youth involved in the justice system.

Educators and Mentors – Those involved in First Nations youth education and mentoring programs, focusing on prevention and personal development.

Legal and Human Rights Organizations – Groups working to protect the rights of First Nations youth and promote fair treatment within the justice system.

Philanthropic and Funding Bodies – Organizations that support initiatives aimed at improving the juvenile justice system for First Nations youth and funding reform initiatives.