Our vision for Reconciliation
SAHMRI acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of Australia and the longest continuous living culture in the world. We recognise the injustices of the past, and that Aboriginal people do not experience the same equality of rights and life expectancy, as other Australians. We respect the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the face of adversity.
On our pathway to Reconciliation our research will be directed by the historic and contemporary knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to working in equal partnership with Aboriginal organisations, communities and individuals, building trust and respect, deepening our understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.
SAHMRI will create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health and medical research. We will build a culturally responsive workforce across SAHMRI, and include ways of working which unite the physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing of all people.
Together we will improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within South Australia and nationally. We will use the learnings from research focussed on Aboriginal populations to improve the health of all Australians.
SAHMRI will use the principles of the South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord as a foundation for reconciliation in everything we do and will monitor the progress and impact of our plan and revise our strategies accordingly.
SAHMRI is committed to achieving a combined vision of a reconciled Australia through working with SAHMRI partners.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
On the 13 February 2018, the 10th Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generation and their Descendants, SAHMRI launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for February 2018 – February 2020, which has received endorsement from Reconciliation Australia.
What is a RAP, and why is it important to SAHMRI?
RAPs are practical plans of action to help advance reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians in workplaces and beyond, and they help build understanding, promote meaningful engagement, increase equality, create sustainable employment opportunities and other positive outcomes in these environments.
Since its inception, one of SAHMRI’s priorities has been to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of its research and as a key platform of SAHMRI business – Aboriginal health is something that is at the heart of everything the team at SAHMRI does.
As a new and developing health and medical research institute, SAHMRI has the opportunity to develop a platform for Reconciliation that can have a far-reaching impact on staff, research projects and in turn the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and broader community.
A RAP will influence the work of the Institute, as well as the interactions and potential outcomes of key research partners both here in South Australia and across Australia.
Meet our RAP Project Officer - Renee Andrew (nee Coulthard)
I am a proud Adnyamathanha/Kuyani woman from the Flinders Ranges and mother of six beautiful children. I was born and have always lived in SA, often visiting and connecting with my homelands.
Growing up I looked up to my father, an strong Aboriginal man, who became the first Aboriginal Correctional Officer in Australia. I wanted to be a role model just like my father and when I completed high school I started my journey to work alongside and support my community. I have worked within numerous Aboriginal specific roles over the last 15 years across roles as an Aboriginal Education Worker, Youth Worker, Aboriginal Liaison Officer in Domestic Violence, Family Support Worker, Case Manager and Educator. In each of these roles, a focus on education, health and decreasing the risk of homelessness has been paramount.
Over the years I have been involved in the development of many RAP plans. I look forward to bringing all of this experience to my current role as RAP Project Officer. I am excited to be able to work closely with you all and members of the Collective and the RAP committee.”
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback you'd like to contribute to reconciliation at SAHMRI please contact Renee: E renee.andrew@sahmri.com P 08 8128 4036
Dates of Significance
Below are dates of historical and cultural significance:
