Indigenous women say it is the responsibility of all Australians to prevent suicide in Indigenous children.

I work for Culture Is Life, a not-for-profit combating suicide and self-harm among young First Australians – nine times the rate in the general population. As a nation we need urgently to ask ourselves, how can we counter the crippling despair overcoming so many of our young people? We believe some answers lie in strengthening their connections to culture, community and history. But there's another ingredient we can't supply – empathy and respect from our fellow Australians.

Since New Year’s Day, at least five Aboriginal young people have tragically taken their own lives. It was so distressing there was extensive media coverage for a change. Yet week in and week out, self-harm and suicide have grown into an epidemic among First Nations young people.

Culture is Life collaborates with SEDA to provide Indigenous curriculum professional development training to their staff and teachers nationally.

“I am really excited to see The Australian Dream go out to community and schools and continue the conversation we need to have on the key themes; cultural identity, racism, history & truths, resilience & reconciliation...” Adam Goodes.

Today we acknowledge the contribution of the women we have worked with and those that have created change to address the inequality experienced by women across the world.

A poem titled 'Earth Mother' written today by 'Miimi and Jiinda' - Gumbaynggirr Elder Lauren Jarrett and her Daughter - Culture is Life's National Project Manager - Melissa Greenwood. Earth Burning Mother.

This past weekend I was invited to spend 3 days with over 50 young First Nations leaders, descendant from so many Nations across these lands. We were welcomed by the Gunggandji people on their country in Cairns at the Uluru First Nations Youth Summit.

For five days, five other Aboriginal young people and I attended an intensive Cultural Exchange in Aotearoa. For the five days, our cohort of Indigenous youth were immersed in the culture of the Maori people of the South Island; learning language, sharing in customs and building friendships that will last long into the future.