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 2024 National First Nations Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Conference is scheduled to be held at the Pullman International Hotel in Cairns QLD on December 10-12,2024 which aims to bring together mental health workers, AOD support workers, Head to Health Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander mental health practitioners, emotional and social wellbeing workers from Indigenous and Non-Indigenous organisations throughout Australia and present unique opportunities for Mental Health workers to meet and discuss issues specifically centered on First Nations peoples' mental health and wellbeing. The increasing frequency and severity of mental health and wellbeing issues throughout Indigenous Communities has reached a crisis level through the length and breadth of this country. However, this is not news to Indigenous peoples. Communities have proclaimed the need for action to address the needs of many First Nations peoples.

This year’s conference theme will be based upon the principles of we all have a role to play in healing where range of issues brought to the forefront by our communities will be examined and as such will endeavour to heighten the need for Government, Non-Government, Primary Health and Community-controlled organisations to refocus on their duty of care to First Nations peoples. The event is based upon the principal belief that Indigenous health must be approached from a holistic view, which encompasses body, mind and spirit; thus, leading to the fundamental rights of self-determination. The conference recognises that treating our health must be done by treating the whole person, through mind, body, soul and culture. Hence, the conference this year will focus on the following:

• Cultural Resilience: Strengthening Identity and Well-being. This theme focuses on the vital role of cultural heritage and identity in fostering mental health and resilience within First Nations communities. It emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with traditions, languages, and ancestral knowledge to build stronger, healthier communities.

• Community-Led Healing: Empowerment Through Collaboration Highlighting the power of community-driven solutions, this theme underscores the importance of local leadership in mental health initiatives. It promotes the idea that sustainable healing comes from within the community, through collaborative efforts and shared wisdom.

• Pathways to Hope: Addressing Trauma and Building Futures: This theme addresses the critical need for trauma-informed approaches to mental health care. It focuses on creating pathways to healing that not only address past and present traumas but also build hopeful futures for individuals and communities.

The overarching aim for the conference is to assist with the journey of healing and to act as an open and frank discussion and forum where not just ideas are shared but also have the potential of further uniting First Nations peoples and to highlight to the government that our journey is far from complete. The conference will undoubtedly be educational, inspirational, eye-opening, thought-provoking, initiates brisk debate and certainly provides plenty of opportunities for food for thoughts. The 2024 National First Nations Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Conference aims to:

• Provide an open and frank forum for discussions

• Highlight inspiring initiatives, successes and challenges faced by mental health workers and Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander social and emotional well-being workers

• Lend support to individuals and groups working in the field of Indigenous Mental Health & well-being

• Bring together both government and non-government agencies working in the field of First Nations mental health

• To bring together organisations as a united voice in closing the gap

• Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects in the field of Indigenous Health in general

• Reduce and prevent the incidence of suicide within the community and explore strategies for linking holistic policy with health program

• Explore methods for improving accountability at all levels to ensure sustainable

• Provides an opportunity to network and meet face to face to exchange ideas, valuable information and successful programs in place in their communities.

The event is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.

The philosophy of this conference is to provide an educational platform to the wider community and endeavour to sensitively assist in a culturally appropriate way with the healing of spirit, mind, body and soul of First Nations peoples throughout the world. This conference is formulated by Indigenous Conferences Services whose employees and their families have been profoundly affected by, in one way or another, the issues of stolen generations and inter-generational trauma wherein mental health issues commonly arise from. The core belief of this conference is that the journey of healing will take generations to come, whilst healing varies from one individual and their family to another.

The conference is not politically biased. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to access information that is not readily available. Today the world has become smaller with the invention of the internet and jet travel. As such, we are of the belief that there is nothing more empowering and more effective than people having an opportunity to network and collaborate. The conference vision for this event is to embrace the philosophy of First Nations community-controlled and mainstream service providers through promoting an informative forum of research, health education and training of staff for the betterment of First Nations mental health and recognising lived experience.

The conference is not politically biased. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to access information that is not readily available. Today the world has become smaller with the invention of the internet and jet travel. As such, we are of the belief that there is nothing more empowering and more effective than people having an opportunity to network and collaborate. The conference vision for this event is to embrace the philosophy of First Nations community-controlled and mainstream service providers through promoting an informative forum of research, health education and training of staff for the betterment of Indigenous health. This event guarantees the opportunity to enlarge your network and information base, thus empowering all delegates to make greater informed decisions within their professional and extended communities. Furthermore, it has been proven time and time again that events such as this empower and reinvigorate workers with new ideas and enthusiasm, with a greater feeling of support and new contacts that may be utilised for the betterment of their own local community. Whether you are an allied health professional, Indigenous health worker, medical professional or in an administrative clerical role within the organisation, this conference will provide excellent opportunities to gain and share information that will be of use to you and your organisation back in your community. The opportunities that this Conference provides to people involved in First Nations Health is the sharing of knowledge and development of long-term friendships/partnerships. This conference is designed from an Indigenous perspective, in which we all lend support to each other regardless of our employers. With all this in mind, we invite you to actively participate in the upcoming event.

First Nations Community Leaders and Elders and those with lived experiences, Mental Health Professionals including psychologists, counsellors, social workers, recovery coach and psychiatrists, Healthcare Providers and Medical Practitioners such as nurses, doctors, mental health clinicians and allied health professionals, Government and Policy Makers representatives from health departments, Indigenous affairs, and other relevant sectors to understand the needs of First Nations, Educators and Academic Researchers, Non-Profit Organizations and NGOs, Organizations focused on mental health, Indigenous rights, and social services, Community Health Workers and NDIS Behaviour Support specialist, Youth and Emerging Leaders, Survivors, Family Members, and Carers, Cultural Practitioners and Traditional Healers