Aviators are going ‘All in’
National Reconciliation Week shines a light on how aviators are strengthening cultural connection and community.
Following National Reconciliation Week (NRW) activities across the nation, Air Force Indigenous liasion officers (ILOs) continue to strengthen respectful relationships between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
RAAF Base Wagga ILO SGT Jaielin Miles said a mix of formal engagement, informal support and practical cultural education was the key to building positive relationships.
“I work with trainees and staff through cultural education sessions, mentoring conversations, ceremonial support and activities linked to National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week,” SGT Miles said.
“Storytelling has long been a way [that] knowledge, lessons and connection have been passed on. Some stories are personal, some are cultural and some are simply about life, but that shared space often creates some of the most genuine conversations and connections.”
This year’s NRW theme ‘All in’ reminds everyone that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights is not a passive activity, nor is it solely the responsibility of First Nations peoples.
‘Elders and community members [are] keen to get engaged and build relationships with those here on base.’
RAAF Base Amberley ILO LAC Andrew Hunter said one of the main focuses of his role is to connect Air Force with First Nations youth.
“A key way I connect Air Force with the community is through involvement in the Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP),” LAC Hunter said.
“This program brings around 20 Indigenous students, aged 15 to 17, onto base for a week, where they live and experience life as a Defence member.
“During the program, participants are introduced to the wide range of roles within Air Force and have opportunities to engage with ADF Careers to explore pathways and ask questions.”
RAAF Base Edinburgh ILO FLTLT Jason Enchong said gaining senior leader support was vital to his ILO program having impact.
“I have had really good buyin from senior leadership, who are keen to explore Aboriginal culture and how AF culture can share stories to improve the aviator,” FLTLT Enchong said.
“From COs going on their own journey to units being involved in community engagement, it has been a very positive experience here. Elders and community members [are] keen to get engaged and build relationships with those here on base.”
NRW was an opportunity for aviators to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how individuals can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
To grow cultural understanding, explore Defence’s First Nations’ intranet page.
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