Indigenous dads challenging stereotypes this Father's Day

This Father's Day, Indigenous fathers and researchers are challenging stereotypes that continue to affect how First Nations men are viewed as parents. The Northern Territory intervention, two decades ago, intensified these harmful perceptions of Aboriginal fathers as absent, irresponsible or dangerous. Author Thomas Mayo, a Kalkalgal man, recalls feeling scrutinized for holding his children in public due to those stereotypes.

Since then, Mayo believes racism towards Indigenous people has worsened, even more so after the 2023 Voice referendum.

Fatherhood researcher Richard Fletcher echoes these concerns, stating that the intervention painted a picture of Aboriginal children being in danger from their own fathers. Negative stereotypes, Fletcher argues, add to the pressures already faced by Indigenous fathers in raising their children. To counter these issues, programs like SMS4DeadlyDads provide free text messaging support for Indigenous fathers across Australia, covering topics such as pregnancy, children's development, and personal wellbeing.

Craig Hammond, a Gomeroi man and Indigenous lead with the program, notes that fathers are often overlooked during pregnancy and early parenthood, despite their increasing involvement. Fletcher emphasizes that services should build on the strengths Indigenous fathers already possess, rather than focusing on perceived shortcomings. For Thomas Mayo, this Father's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the long history of Indigenous fatherhood and its role in passing on culture, knowledge, and identity to future generations.