Bringing together voices of cultural ambassadors, academics and emerging leaders, this panel discussion, moderated by First Nations advocate Emma Garlett (Noongar, Yamatji & Nyiyaparli Peoples), explores the legal, cultural and social complexities and benefits of a Voice to Parliament, an ambition articulated through the Makarrata: The Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.

SPEAKERS

  • Emma Garlett – Moderator

Emma Garlett (Noongar, Yamatji & Nyiyaparli Peoples) is a First Nations woman who applies an Indigenous lens to current issues and seeks to educate others to bring them on a journey of reconciliation to make a better Australia for all. Emma is passionate about justice, law reform and ensuring First Nations people are involved in decisions which affect them. Emma has experience working in academia, industry, media and as a lawyer. Emma is an advocate for the Voice to Parliament as often speaks publicly about how constitutional reform will support First Nations Peoples self-determination, and increase agency and autonomy for First Nations communities nationally.

  • Carol Innes – Panelist

Carol Innes (Nyoongar Peoples) is a Co-Director of an Aboriginal Led project Danjoo Koorliny – Walking Together. 2029 marks the milestone of 200 years of colonisation in Western Australia. The work focusing on social, cultural, environmental and economic impact on Aboriginal people and what barriers need to shift in policy and programs.Building better relationships across all sectors. Respect, Recognition Identity and Belonging. A mentor, consultant, Board Director and project manager. Carol is currently Co-Chair of Reconciliation WA and a Board member Art Gallery of WA. Carol has worked in not for profit organisations, arts and cultural organisations; State and Federal governments agencies and Aboriginal controlled community organisations.

  • Stephen Gilchrist – Panelist

Belonging to the Yamatji people of the Inggarda language group of northwest Western Australia, Dr Stephen Gilchrist is Senior Lecturer in the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia. He is a writer and curator who has worked with the Indigenous Australian collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra (2003-2005), the British Museum, London (2008), the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2005-2010), and the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College (2011-2013). Stephen has curated numerous exhibitions in Australia and the United States and has written extensively on Indigenous Art from Australia. He has taught Indigenous Art in Australia and in the United States. He works with major Australian and international institutions and contributes to the international dialogues surrounding the scholarship and interpretation of Indigenous art and culture with a focus on Indigenous curation as an expression of sovereignty.

  • Sophie Coffin – Panelist

Sophie Coffin is a proud Palyku, Ngangumarta and Yindjibarndi lawyer from the Pilbara. Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Indigenous Studies and Juris Doctor degrees from UWA. She is currently the Principal Associate to Chief Justice Quinlan at the Supreme Court. Sophie is particularly interested in intellectual property law, Aboriginal economic development, and early intervention in the criminal justice system. As a WA Youth Representative of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Sophie volunteers a lot of time educating the community. In addition, Sophie guest lectures and tutors at UWA law school, and assists in state-wide cultural security audits. Since winning Miss NAIDOC in 2018, Sophie has spoken at a number of events across the state, including the WA Police’s historic Formal Apology to Aboriginal peoples. Sophie is also an alumni of the US Department of State’s International Visitors’ Leadership Program, through which Sophie learnt about Indigenous Leadership from Native American peoples. Sophie has presented at conferences on Indigenous education and leadership in Toronto, Hawaii and Vietnam. Sophie enjoys getting back up north to spend time with family.

  • Tyson McEwan – Panelist

Tyson McEwan is a proud Bardi and Kariyarra man from the Pilbara region of WA. Recently graduated from his law degree at UWA. Tyson is a graduate at a Perth law firm. Tyson is a WA Uluṟu youth representative since the inaugural Uluṟu youth dialogues in Carins 2019. Tyson volunteers his time to share his perspective and thoughts about the proposed referendum and the Uluṟu statement from the heart. In 2018, Tyson studied abroad in Portland Oregon where he lived in the United States for 6 months.