Location
Australia
Canada
Purpose
We facilitated the inaugural First Nations Summit in Queensland with around 30 attendees and delegates. Our First Nations partners from across Australia and Canada came together in the spirit of connection, collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Participants were welcomed by the Gidarjil Development Corporation and Elders in Burnett Heads, including a tour of their Training Institute, Gidji Café and Murra Wolka Indigenous Art business – projects we have been proud to partner with. Summit delegates then participated in a yarning session where they shared their unfortunately similar histories and lifelong efforts of navigating an unjust and inequitable social, political and legislative landscape to work towards recognition of culture and rights for their families and communities. Together, delegates celebrated achievements despite these challenges and trauma, including the journey to reconnecting with culture, successful partnerships, and business development opportunities.
Dr Kerry Blackman, Gidarjil, emphasised the importance of Reconciliation: “If you hold onto yesterday, you’ll be held back from tomorrow.” The Summit was closed out with our delegates attending the 1770 Cultural Connections Immersions Festival, celebrating culture, connection, and reconciliation, hosted by the Gidarjil Development Corporation on Gooreng Gooreng Country.
Evolution team members in attendance were privileged to hear about the resilience, determination, and leadership these groups have shown. We committed to sharing communication details, information, and resources, and to continue to facilitate these connections in the future.

