Ambassador for First Nations People

I am leading Australia’s delegation this week at the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). A pleasure to meet again with the outgoing Chair of EMRIP, Dr Sheryl Lightfoot, and the incoming Chair, Professor Valmaine Toki. Congratulations to Valmaine on your appointment. We discussed EMRIP’s recent visit to Western Australia and the recommendations of the technical report. We also discussed shared priorities including enhancing the participation of Indigenous people in international discussions. We look forward to continued collaboration with EMRIP, to support its mandate, and to advance interests and rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Yesterday marked the beginning of this year’s NAIDOC week.   This year’s theme, ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.   This is a call for the reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. All Australians are invited to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.   I encourage all to participate in local NAIDOC week events, to keep the fire burning, blak, loud and proud! https://lnkd.in/dexeVKVM

An honour to be invited to Waiben in the Torres Strait, where I joined local Elders and community leaders for the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the Torres Strait Regional Authority. There, the community reflected on the hard-fought successes of the TSRA, and the road ahead. In particular, it was fantastic to catch up with Kaiwalagal ferries and charters, one of the many strong Torres Strait businesses in the region. As Ambassador for First Nations People, I will continue to work alongside the TSRA and other bodies, to progress our shared aspirations for the Torres Strait.

In the margins of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, it was great to catch up with Karla Grant on NITV’s ‘Living Black’ series, and update on my role as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People. We discussed the Festival which is a remarkable gathering of cultures and traditions from right across the Pacific. It was a privilege to lead Australia’s delegation of First Nations people, showcasing our strong and vibrant cultures to the world. For the full interview, follow the link below: Why Ambassador Justin Mohamed is leading the world on First Nations issues | SBS Living Black https://lnkd.in/gpfyaJmC

I had the privilege of participating in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture last week, graciously hosted by the city of Honolulu and the Governor of Hawaii. This event was not only a vibrant celebration of arts and culture but also a pivotal moment to strengthen the ties that unite the Pacific family. The Pacific Ocean, a vital connector among us, underscores the importance of engaging in meaningful discussions about shared environmental challenges, particularly climate change. This shared responsibility unites us in a collective duty to safeguard our future. The festival provided an opportunity to deepen existing relationships and establish new connections with leaders and officials across the Pacific. These interactions further our advocacy for the rich culture, perspectives, and values of First Nations Australians, ensuring that our voice is heard on the global stage.

I was honoured to join talented First Nations artists and cultural practitioners at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture at Honolulu, Hawai'i 2024. This festival was a vital recognition of both the historical and ongoing contributions of the traditional custodians of Pacific nations. It also celebrated the diverse cultural expressions of our First Nations communities. Our arts and culture are more than just legacies from the past; they are vibrant expressions of our identity and serve as powerful conduits for diplomacy. They shape a future where our voices are both heard and respected on global stages. As a Pacific family, the waters that connect us also unite us, bringing us together in solidarity and strength. Creative Australia Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Applications for the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group will close this Sunday, 9 June 2024 at 11:55PM AEST. If you would like further information, please reach out to [email protected] or visit First Nations Trade | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au).

I had the privilege of meeting with Pacific ministerial counterparts from the Council of Pacific Arts & Culture at Honolulu, Hawai’i. This gathering is more than a festival, it represents a commitment to honouring and protecting our diverse cultural traditions while we look towards the future. Through in-depth policy discussions focused on traditional knowledge and sustainability practices, we are taking essential steps to enhance our region's cultural richness. I am honoured to be part of this significant event and look forward to the collaborations and innovative discussions that will emerge as we prepare for FestPAC Hawai'i 2024.

Last Friday in Geneva, members of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) agreed to a historic treaty that recognises the use of Indigenous peoples’ genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent systems. My engagement with First Nations elders and community leaders throughout Australia reaffirmed that intellectual property rights and the protection of Indigenous knowledge is, and has been, a key priority for First Nations Australians. As Ambassador for First Nations People, I acknowledge the tireless work of First Nations people, who have advocated for this outcome for more than 20 years. I am proud of the active role Australian negotiators have played in the success of this treaty, many of whom worked day and night to put First Nations interests and aspirations at the centre of discussions. This outcome is a clear statement – when government listens to, and partners with First Nations people, we achieve better results. For more on this outcome, see here: Historic global agreement recognising First Nations’ cultural knowledge | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs (foreignminister.gov.au)

It was a pleasure to meet members of the Indigenous Caucus of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), where we spoke about the importance of keeping Indigenous rights at the forefront of international discussions. In particular, Indigenous participation in meetings which affect their lives is crucial in driving inclusive, effective, and long-lasting change for Indigenous peoples. We discussed the important advocacy of the Caucus in the development of this historic treaty, which will recognise the use of Indigenous peoples’ genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent systems, and establish legal recognition for their traditional knowledge in the intellectual property system. This treaty is long overdue, and I applaud the Caucus for its positive and proactive engagement to achieve a successful outcome.