Nurturing Leadership and Legacy: A Recap of the ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program for 2023
The ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program is a regular event which now has an alumni of 65 First Nations women who have participated across Victoria. Facilitated by a team led by Karen Milward and Dr. Kerry Arabena with Amanda Meric, Kim Reid, Lee-Anne Wilson, Elders in Residence Aunty Judy McDonald and Aunty Daphne Milward, the October 2023 course has just been completed, leaving 14 First Nations women with a deep and profound excitement for their leadership journey and a renewed sense of purpose. This program has been, co-designed over two years, with a pilot delivery and two formal programs delivered.. Funded originally through the Department of Premier and Cabinet and now through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing through the Office for Women, this course is run at Creswick, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and has been described as a testament to the strength, resilience and cultural capability of First Nations women in Victoria. Over two online sessions and four face to face transformative days and using a ‘buddy system’ styled approach to learning, participants engaged in deep conversations, cultural practices, and skill-building activities that celebrated their cultural heritage, connections, their matriarchs and nurtured their leadership skills.
“Absolutely loved the ECHO program! I was really nervous heading into it as I didn’t know what to expect, especially being a younger participant of the group. Everyone was lovely and I feel lucky to be part of the few that were chosen. I am looking forward to implementing some of the tools I learnt within the week to my day to day life.”
Day 1: Honouring Tradition and Dreaming Visions
The program commenced with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Rebecca Phillips on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Karen Milward, Yorta Yorta woman opened the program, emphasising the significance of First Nations women's leadership. The day continued with a panel discussion, featuring insights from the ECHO team, including Amanda Meric and Karen Milward, Kerry Arabena and our Aunties-in-Residence Judy McDonald and Daphne Milward.
Day 2: Deep Listening and Cultural Enrichment
The second day started with "Dadirri," a profound form of deep listening, and meditation and mindfulness practices. Participants were encouraged to connect with their inner selves, fostering self-awareness and reflection. The "Modern Matriarchy Talk" celebrated the essential role of women in First Nations communities, highlighting empowerment and matriarchal leadership. "Community Leadership in Action" emphasised the practical application of leadership skills and strategies, while "ECHOS from our Ancestors" explored the wisdom passed down through generations. The day ended with a heartwarming singalong led by Aunty Daphne Milward, a beautiful cultural touch and a remembrance about the importance of languages to self care and to healing.
We were joined by alumni from the previous year’s program to share with the women about what ‘12 months post-ECHO’ could look like. A panel presentation was particularly moving and encouraging for all women to hear from our past two ECHO participants.
Day 3: Financial Freedom and Cultural Expression
Day 3 began with discussions on financial freedom, featuring a panel with Amanda Meric, Leah Armstrong from First Nations Capital, Larisha Herome from First Nations Foundation, and Trish Briggs from Turco accountants. The day also offered participants a chance to explore their creativity through weaving jewellery with artist Ange Jeffrey. Later talks by Aunty Judy McDonald, Katrina Penfold and Sharon Sowter inspired participants to become agents of positive change and to develop their dreaming boards, develop resilience in their leadership roles. The day concluded with a yarning circle with esteemed Aunties, including Aunty Daphne Milward and Aunty Judy McDonald, fostering a sense of community and shared wisdom. A celebratory dinner marked the achievements of the day.
Day 4: Reflection, Legacy, and Closing Ceremony
The final day provided a space for reflection and legacy-building, allowing participants to consider their roles as modern matriarchs and leaders within their communities. The program closed with a heartfelt and meaningful closing ceremony, leaving participants with a sense of purpose and legacy.
“I am so grateful for Kerry and Karen. Strong women leading strong women is the way forward to create Modern Matriarchs.”
Key Takeaways:
The ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program celebrates First Nations women. It is evidence based, providing a platform for personal growth, cultural celebration, and skill development. The program's emphasis on deep listening, mindfulness, and cultural heritage nurtured participants' leadership skills and celebrated the matriarchal traditions of Indigenous communities.
The financial empowerment discussions provided practical insights into financial literacy and planning. The program's inclusion of creative activities, yarning circles, and celebratory moments emphasised the importance of community and shared wisdom.
All of the participants reflected that the program had met or exceeded their expectations, and helped them to clarify their own personal leadership skills and aspirations as Modern Matriarchs. They left with goals to continue growing as leaders beyond the ECHO program - with one participant writing that “I’ve had the tools inside me, I just needed to be shown.”
The bonds formed between the participants were incredible to see, with several participants making plans to go camping together after the program ended. One participant wrote that the highlight of the program for them was “Being surrounded by leaders knowing that I’m a leader now. Modern Matriarch - it opened my eyes, my heart, my soul.”
Conclusion:
The ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program, led by Karen Milward, Kerry Arabena and the ECHO team, exemplifies the power of cultural celebration and leadership development. It equips First Nations women with the tools and insights they need to become effective leaders and modern matriarchs within their communities. As the program concluded, participants left with a commitment to continue nurturing their leadership potential and legacy.
“This is the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time”