The peak body for Aboriginal children and families in South Australia has appointed Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri woman Ashum Owen as their inaugural chief executive.
Wakwakurna Kanyini, meaning "holding on to our children" in a combination of Kaurna and Pitjantjatjara words, has recently been created to amplify the voices of Indigenous South Australian children with a $3.2 million investment from the state government, and will begin operating in September.
Ms Owen has a background in law, policy and advocacy, and practised as a solicitor in the NT, assisting and advocating for Indigenous families in areas such as child protection, domestic and family violence and family law.
Her most recent role was policy analysis in support of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People upholding the rights of Aboriginal children and families.
She was recently involved in the inquiry into the application of the child placement principle in SA, which eventually culminated in the Holding on to Our Future Report.
"I stand on the shoulders of the warriors who have walked before me and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Wakwakurna Kanyini as the inaugural CEO, and work towards improved and better outcomes for Aboriginal children, their families and communities," Ms Owen said.
"I am committed to building a strong, resilient organisation that serves as a powerful voice for Aboriginal children and their families, driving positive change for future generations to come and amplifying the intergenerational strength of our Aboriginal families and communities".
Ms Owen said she was committed to self-determination and protecting the rights of Indigenous children and their families through collaboration with Indigenous communities, as well as stakeholders and policy makers.
"I am eager to join the existing accountability mechanisms and hold governments to account for their legislation, policies and practices that are responsible for the overrepresentation of our Aboriginal children and young people across many areas," she said.
Wakwakurna Kanyini has been established in SA to be the leading community voice for Indigenous families, with the aim of providing guidance and upholding the rights of Aboriginal children to grow up strong and with purpose identity and a connection to their culture, community, and country.
Wakwakurna Kanyini chair, Sandra Miller said the board was excited by Ms Owens appointment.
"We believe that with her leadership, we will make a difference to the lives of our Aboriginal children and families," Ms Miller said.
"I wish to acknowledge those who have been in this space with me for many years, in particular Brian Butler, April Lawrie, David Rathman, Frank Lampard and Melissa Clarke. I also want to acknowledge Tauto Sansbury who has since passed."