First Peoples Disability Network is strong in our culture. Our ancestors and our communities have been successfully living and surviving on country for over 65,000 years. We work with country, we flow with it, we understand that it keeps us alive. We know our role; we are the keepers of our disability business stories and we are responsible for continuing the songlines created by our Founding Elders.
Josh Lennox, photo by Belinda Mason OAM ©
When Country Speaks, We Listen
We know that the most powerful warriors stand side by side as equals in reaching a common goal.
We act well toward each other. We understand if there is an imbalance in community it affects everybody in camp.
Everyone has their symbol and their story. We take responsibility for and focus on our roles without distraction.
The stories we leave in community will be the same as the stars, the sun, the moon and the air they are a part of everyone’s community the same way that disability is part of everyone’s community.
We listen and contribute to our disability community and hand our stories down to the next generation to continue on, as they were handed down to us.
We respect our Elders, our culture, country and know our place. When country speaks, we listen.
The heart is for speaking, the voice is for singing.
We celebrate the differences and diversities within our communities and embed this in our work, recognising the rights of First Nations women with disability and First Nations people with disability from the LGBTIQA+ communities.
We look forward and we look back. We draw on our old ways to succeed in the new world, it is in our blood, we have always understood.
We know our country, we know our culture, we know when it’s the right time.
When we bring our ways into other communities, we are aware and respect the ways of others and their country.
Artwork (Right): You have the right to live your life your way and to feel safe in society. Artwork by Uncle Paul Calcott ©
Our Story
FPDN was born from a historic gathering of First Nations people with disability in 1999 — a powerful moment that sparked a national movement to advance rights, voice and justice for our communities.
Our Leaders & Founders
Meet the visionary leaders and founders of FPDN—First Peoples with lived experience of disability who have shaped our mission, values, and advocacy from the very beginning.
Our Purpose, Values & Principles
Our purpose is to promote respect for human rights, secure social justice, and empower First Peoples with disability to participate in Australian society on an equal basis with others.
Strong Governance
FPDN’s inclusive, community-led governance is grounded in culture and lived experience. It is inclusive of all perspectives reflected in the communities we serve, drawing on the voices of First Nations people with disability, their families, and communities.
