History

In 1978, the South Australian Aboriginal Child Care Agency was established to address the injustices experienced by children, families and communities as a result of harmful policies and practices throughout the Stolen Generations era. During its operation, ACCA was deeply committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Aboriginal children. ACCA advocated strongly for our children to be placed in culturally appropriate care arrangements, such as family & kinship care in place of institutionalised care programs. Five years into its operation, ACCA successfully advocated for the Aboriginal Child Placement Principles to become an official policy of the welfare department at the time, Department for Community Welfare. Subsequently, ACCA lobbied for the Aboriginal Child Placement Principles to be embedded into legislation through the Adoptions Act 1988 and Children’s Protection Act 1993. By 1998, ACCA was defunded, like many great initiatives during that period.

The Aboriginal Community Leadership Reference Group was formed in 2016, after the Nyland Royal Commission failed to effectively consult with the South Australian Aboriginal community regarding their experiences with the child protection system. The ACLRG revived calls for the South Australian Aboriginal peak body, as well as a dedicated Aboriginal Children’s Commissioner. The ACLRG recognised the importance of Aboriginal-led initiatives in order reverse the harm and disconnection caused by statutory child removals.

In 2019 April Lawrie, South Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People provided a road map for change which included a call for an Aboriginal Peak Body.

In 2020, the South Australian Government tabled its Aboriginal Affairs Action Plan 2021-2022 committing to resource a peak body for Aboriginal children and families in South Australia. The Department for Child Protection engaged SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to engage with the South Australian community on the proposed peak body.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, statewide community consultations were undertaken by SNAICC, in partnership with the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People. These consultations ensured a community-led design process for the peak body and culminated in a final report.

Throughout seven State Government election cycles, a Royal Commission and several Inquiries, our Elders and leaders stood resolute, demanding a commitment from those in positions of power and influence; a commitment for a peak body that would bring the Aboriginal community voice into the sector to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system, leading with Aboriginal self-determination at the centre.

The Establishment committee

In 2023, the Establishment Steering Committee, composed of South Australian Aboriginal community members and supported by SNAICC, was formed to oversee the organisation’s incorporation and development. This committee served as the inaugural governing council, offering strategic guidance to the CEO and initial staff, ensuring that the organisation’s direction aligned with community priorities and values.

• Dan Mitchell
• Judith Lovegrove
• Kylie Dengenhardt
• Craig Rigney

This Committee made invaluable contributions to the establishment of Wakwakurna Kanyini.