Recently, we had the honour of hosting a First Nations and Forcibly Displaced Peoples Roundtable in partnership with Rally Magazine. Led by Deena Yako, Director of Community Engagement, we facilitated the sharing of powerful personal narratives to challenge stereotypes and deepen empathy for the refugee experience. A powerful gathering of voices, truth-telling, and deep cultural knowledge, was held on the 4th of July 2025, on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, the original owners of the land. The roundtable brought together First Nations Leaders and community members to speak on issues of sovereignty, justice, healing, and the enduring strength of culture and connection to Country.
These conversations were not just timely — they were essential. They reminded us that truth must come before change, and that listening must come before action. As part of the Refugee Council of Australia’s mission to centre the voices of people from lived refugee experience, it was time that we included the voices of Aboriginal Australians to the conversation and recognise the role they play in welcoming refugees from around the globe. This is an opportunity to bridge the gap that perhaps exists between Aboriginals and displaced First Nations peoples who have gone through the experience of forced displacement, seeking refuge and resettlement.
Deena says, “Many of us have crossed mountains and seas, in the hopes of finding safety, freedom and belonging, yet some difficult and challenging issues often occur, and for me personally the knowledge of settling on stolen land where sovereignty has never been ceded has been one the challenges I faced and keep facing through my journey here in Australia”.
We invite you to take time to watch the recording of the roundtable, not as a passive observer, but as an active listener. Lean into the discomfort. Reflect on what is being shared. Listen with openness, with humility, and with a willingness to unlearn and relearn.
This is part of walking together towards truth, justice and reconciliation.
We encourage you to:
- Share this with your networks
- Sit with what you hear before reacting or responding
- Seek out more Refugee and First Nations-led voices and spaces
- Consider how your own actions, workplace, or community can support meaningful change
Our deepest gratitude to all the speakers who shared their stories and wisdom.
Read Deena’s Letter here:
