About Us
Wakwakurna Kanyini was officially launched on 23 September 2024, after decades of unwavering advocacy from local Aboriginal leaders, demanding consecutive state governments provide dedicated funding to establish an Aboriginal peak body for our children and families.
Wakwakurna Kanyini is the recognised peak body that will provide leadership for and represent community-led priorities to all levels of government, to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families and support the Aboriginal community-controlled sector to provide services to Aboriginal families in need. Whilst we have a focus on the child protection system, it is crucial that our advocacy, leadership and work advances across all government systems impacting Aboriginal children, families and communities.
Wakwakurna Kanyini is a rights-based organisation that upholds the principles of Aboriginal self-determination and human rights frameworks including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and the Convention on the Rights of the Child
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Wakwakurna Kanyini is the name chosen to reflect the peak’s advocacy for the Aboriginal community to hold dearly on to its Aboriginal children due to the alarming rates of removals and how family and culture safeguard against the harms of removal.
Wakwakurna is Kaurna language for children, while Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word with a complex meaning that loosely translates to interconnectedness, nurturing, holding and support for family, country and community.
Wakwakurna Kanyini operates with a clear goal: to ensure that Aboriginal children in South Australia grow up connected to their culture, families, and communities. Wakwakurna Kanyini’s vision is for Aboriginal children to flourish with culture as proud and confident members of the Aboriginal community.
Wakwakurna Kanyini acknowledges the authority of Traditional Owners for their ongoing custodianship of Country ensuring Aboriginal children grow up with their rights to culture and a cultural identity.
Wakwakurna Kanyini acknowledges the deep history of Aboriginal-led advocacy for children and families in South Australia, and honours those who have dedicated their lives to fighting to keep Aboriginal families safe, strong, and grounded in culture.
Wakwakurna Kanyini asks that the reader observe a minute of silence in honour of those Aboriginal children who may never know their families, their communities and their culture while growing up, for it is our hope that they will one day find their way home to their family and community.
Our Artwork and Logo
About the Artist
Jaylene Ware
My name is Jaylene Ware, but am better known as Jayla. I am a proud Wirangu, Kokatha and Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara woman currently living on Wirangu country on the far west coast of South Australia with my family.Â
My ancestors come from the far west coastline of South Australia, through the valleys of the Gawler Ranges, up to the desert in Coober Pedy and beyond to the APY Lands.
