We asked teens what they thought of sweeping changes to child protection laws
Culture and knowledge have been passed down across generations. But some young people worry their loved ones could soon be left behind.
Two teenage girls from the Tiwi Islands expressed their apprehension over recent changes to child protection laws. Shanina Kantilla and Tahni Thompson, cousins on their mother's side, shared that their connection to their Tiwi culture is deeply ingrained and taught from a young age. They recounted camping, hunting, swimming, and fishing as part of their childhood, emphasizing the importance of learning about their culture, skin groups, and sacred sites.
The girls also highlighted how the government policies from the past disrupted the transmission of language, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge, leading to cultural disconnection among some families. Tahni expressed her deep desire to remain with her family and avoid any separation. The Tiwi Islands are recognized for their vibrant artwork, secluded fishing spots, and local AFL league, with many renowned AFL players hailing from the region.
The island's culture is also embedded in the education system, with weekly lessons on country. However, the real learning starts young, guided by families and traditional methods such as taking wood from local paper bark trees to weave baskets and performing traditional paintings. The recent changes to child protection laws in the Northern Territory have sparked concerns among First Nations people, particularly Sue-Anne Hunter, the National Indigenous children's commissioner.
She fears that the policies may weaken the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle, which prioritizes placing Aboriginal children with their families, communities, or other First Nations carers. Hunter believes that culture is a crucial aspect of a child's safety and identity, and emphasizes the need for early intervention and family support instead of focusing on removals.
The NT government maintains that the reforms were designed after extensive consultation and that they have retained provisions to reflect the cultural needs and connection of Aboriginal children to their families, communities, and country.
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