Navigating Hard Yarns: Conversations on Reconciliation and Allyship
At Evolve, we believe in having tough conversations – the hard yarns. These are the discussions that challenge our thinking and bring us closer to understanding. We also believe these conversations should be safe, respectful, and aligned with our no shame, blame, or guilt philosophy. Everyone has wisdom to offer, and we make space for all voices.
This is exactly what we’ll be doing in our upcoming National Reconciliation Week Public (for Individuals) – and we’d love for you to join us.
We certainly don’t have all the answers – that’s not the promise here. But we do have experience in bringing together people and organisations with diverse views to discuss Reconciliation and Allyship in a way that fosters respect and understanding.
So, what’s one of those hard yarns? Take a breath…
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
In our recent Allies Q&A, one key challenge that came up was how to respond when First Nations voices like Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Lydia Thorpe express views that seem controversial, divisive, and may clash with our own.
How do we act as Allies, wanting to do the right thing, but unsure how First Nations peoples might feel? How representative are the views expressed?
Of course, First Nations peoples, like any other peoples, have diverse viewpoints. This incredible, rich diversity of First Nations Australia – with over 500 different nations – is something to understand and celebrate.
The reality is, the media and politics will amplify some of those viewpoints, creating doubt and confusion. For instance, just now, an email landed in my inbox with a petition on Change.org to oppose Jacinta Price as Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. The petition claims:
“Senator Price’s views and political stance are not reflective of the majority of Indigenous Australians. Rather than fostering unity or progress, her rhetoric often deepens division and silences grassroots voices. Her appointment would undermine genuine efforts for healing and practical change. We want better outcomes for our people. But we need leaders who truly represent us, and Jacinta Price is not that leader.”
So, as an Ally wanting to do the “right thing,” there are fundamental questions we often face: Is this person’s view representative? How do I know? Should I support them? How do I feel about their views?
On this issue, Aunty says: “If feeling confused as an Ally, always turn to the wisdom of Elders. What are the Aunties and Uncles saying?”
It is in these conversations, these hard yarns, where real change can happen.
We’ll be providing a safe space to explore these questions in our upcoming National Reconciliation Week webinars, sharing some ideas and thoughts about how we can respond and navigate a complex landscape as Allies.
We would love for you to join us. There are a range of session options, and the sessions will be recorded in case you can’t make it live. Aunty and I will be waiting by the virtual fire to yarn with you.
And as always, we love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can simply comment below.
Join us for a National Reconciliation Week Yarn
We invite you to gather with us around the virtual fire — a space to reflect, ask questions, and explore how you can walk forward with purpose. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding and take meaningful steps toward Reconciliation in a genuine, practical way.
