Reconciliation

Aunty Yvonne Agius is an Esteemed Elder of both Kaurna and Narungga descent.

Aunty Yvonne worked as a public servant for over 40 years and an Aboriginal foster carer and educator of the younger generations about the past. She has shown great commitment to the preservation of Aboriginal heritage and has extensive experience representing a range of community groups that deal with heritage, Native Title, Nunga courts and the Granny’s Group, displaying a great commitment to reconciliation between First Nations peoples.

She is the Dual Chairperson of the City of Adelaide’s Reconciliation Committee and previous Vice-Chairperson of the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee.

Mark is from the Kukabrak Tribes of southern South Australia now referred to as Ngarrindjeri.

The Ngarrindjeri Nation is made up of 18 family groups known as Lakinyeri. Mark is referred to as a Munkanboli (a clever person who is a man of wisdom and knowledge). He uses his wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down over thousands and thousands of years to ensure culture is strong and alive.

Mark is committed to, and has a passion for, the preservation of Aboriginal heritage and culture in the Ramindjeri, Tangani, Yarlde, Meintangk, and Ngarrindjeri lands. Mark is the current Chairperson of the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee, founder and educator. Mark owns his own business, The Tribal Expertise Facility, through which he asserts his cultural and heritage interests within the Coorong, Lower Lakes, River Murray, and the Sea.

Jess is a proud Kaurna woman born and raised on Kaurna land.

She has been involved in Kaurna Native Title matters from a young age, served on the Board of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, is the current Kaurna representative on the Adelaide Park Lands Authority Board, and is also a representative on the Aboriginal Reference Group for the Aboriginal Arts and Cultures Centre at Lot Fourteen.

Jess is passionate about promoting Kaurna culture, heritage and rights, mentoring young First Nations women, learning from her Elders and community, and advocating for reconciliation in the community and workplace. She currently works for the Department of Treasury and Finance as a Cultural Development Consultant, where she provides advice and direction on diversity and inclusion initiatives, reconciliation, First Nations employment and cultural awareness.