Australia's First Ambassador for First Nations People
Sep 22, 2023
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Justin Mohammed, Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People, discusses the challenges of advocating for change as a First Nations person, the role and expectations of the position, the influence of First Nations people in foreign affairs, and their excitement and ambition for making a positive impact.
Ambassador Justin Muhammad is the first-ever Indigenous ambassador for First Nations People in Australia's Foreign Affairs and Trade, aiming to progress Indigenous trade, investment, and rights globally.
Ambassador Muhammad emphasizes the value of First Nations knowledge and aims to embed it into international diplomacy and trade, enabling Australia to present itself globally as a nation that values and integrates Indigenous perspectives.
Deep dives
The First Indigenous Ambassador for First Nations People in Australia's Foreign Affairs
The podcast episode features Ambassador Justin Muhammad, the first-ever Indigenous ambassador for First Nations People in Australia's Foreign Affairs and Trade. The role aims to progress Indigenous trade, investment, and rights globally. Ambassador Muhammad discusses his background growing up in Queensland and his extensive experience in Aboriginal affairs, advocating for self-determination and human rights. He reflects on the challenges of being a First Nations person working within the system, but also the opportunities to bring Indigenous knowledge and expertise to foreign affairs. He emphasizes the importance of diversity among First Nations people and hopes to shape Australia's foreign affairs to include their perspectives and contributions.
The Role of the First Indigenous Ambassador for First Nations People
Ambassador Muhammad explains that his role as the ambassador for First Nations people in Australia is the first of its kind in the world. He outlines his responsibilities, which include domestic consultations and dialogues with various Indigenous groups and organizations. He highlights the importance of representing Indigenous perspectives in international forums on key issues such as climate, trade, human rights, gender, health, and justice. Ambassador Muhammad discusses the challenges of establishing a new position and the need to prioritize urgent and important tasks while building an office for future ambassadors. He also mentions the diversity among First Nations people and the importance of embracing their various priorities in foreign affairs policies.
Influencing Australia's Foreign Affairs with First Nations Knowledge
Ambassador Muhammad emphasizes the value of First Nations knowledge and its potential to reshape Australia's foreign affairs. He highlights the historical trade relationships between Indigenous nations and other international groups, which are now being acknowledged and accredited as evidence-based connections. He aims to embed First Nations expertise into international diplomacy and trade, enabling Australia to present itself globally as a nation that values and integrates Indigenous perspectives. The ambassador believes that other countries are interested in reconnecting with First Nations people and their knowledge, particularly in addressing challenges such as climate change. He is committed to building stronger relationships, both domestically and internationally, while ensuring the diversity among different First Nations communities is respected and incorporated into foreign affairs policies.
Justin Mohammed has been appointed as Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People after more than two decades working to improve the lives of First Nations people.
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