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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/21/five-questions-to-john-paul-janke-this-week-on-indigenousx
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Five questions to John Paul Janke: this week on IndigenousX | Five questions to John Paul Janke: this week on IndigenousX |
(5 months later) | |
Tell us about yourself. | Tell us about yourself. |
I am of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent – Wuthanthifrom Cape York Peninsula and Murray Island in the Torres Strait. | |
I’m married and the father of four young boys. I’ve worked for some three decades in media and communications-related activities within Indigenous affairs. | |
I’m currently working at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) in Canberra – a role which sees me promote a greater awareness and understanding of the cultures and lifestyles of our peoples, past and present. | |
From 1993 to 2004, I was with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS). In 2004, I was the media advisor for The Long Walk, Michael Long’s historic trek from Melbourne to Canberra. | |
From 2004 to 2009 I worked for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and I have been a member of the ACT Indigenous Elected Body. I currently sit on the National NAIDOC Committee. | |
What do you plan on talking about on IndigenousX this week? | What do you plan on talking about on IndigenousX this week? |
I’ll be highlighting some of the thought-provoking studies and research being done by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across many sectors which are being discussed at the 2014 AIATSIS National Indigenous Studies Conference. | |
I’ll also be raising awareness how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reclaim and preserve their identity, their histories, their cultural heritage - their stories, something we are very passionate about at AIATSIS. This year AIATSIS celebrates its 50th anniversary which is being launched at a massive event during the week featuring a re-enactment of the Lorrkon ceremony of Big Bill Neidjie aka Kakadu Man. I’ll be posting some amazing pictures from the event. | |
What issues affecting Indigenous peoples are you most passionate about? | What issues affecting Indigenous peoples are you most passionate about? |
I want all Australians to learn about the true history of this country – from prior to 1770 to today. I think that through a greater understanding of this history we can work towards proper recognition. I am passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having control over their own affairs. Having a say in the program and policies that affect them every day. Proper consultation with Indigenous people should be at the forefront of government policy. | |
Who are your role models, and why? | Who are your role models, and why? |
People who make a stand in what they truly believe is right and just! Those who fight against and speak out on injustice of all peoples. I love the quote attributed to Martin Luther King Jnr: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” | |
What are your hopes for the future? | What are your hopes for the future? |
That we have a supported national voice or advocacy body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people again. That Indigenous histories and culture – and languages – are taught in all schools: to everyone. I hope my boys and their children will have a proper understanding of where they come from, not just from home but through school, so they can stand up and be proud of their heritage. | |