9 August is the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and Brisbane Catholic Education acknowledges the contributions of First Nations Peoples, in particular First Nations women who share their knowledge as we journey towards Reconciliation and creating a better future.
Around the world, Indigenous Peoples, including Australia’s First Nations Peoples, play a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of traditional ancestral knowledge. Many women in particular, take the lead when it comes to advocating for rights with significant progress made in decision-making processes in our communities. However, the reality is that Indigenous women are widely under-represented and often face discrimination.
This International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, BCE says thank you for the vital role First Nations women have in shaping our community, especially two of our valued staff members – Senior Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Dr Mayrah Dreise and Diversity and Inclusion Officer Chenoa Stockton.
Senior Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Dr Mayrah Dreise
Dr Mayrah Dreise is leading the way for improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural education in Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools since being appointed Senior Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.
Dr Dreise is a proud Gamilaraay woman and Yuwalaraay traditional Song Woman from Southwest Queensland and Northwest New South Wales. With a passion for the arts, she has performed in festivals and exhibited in Museums and Galleries across Australia.
Her wealth of knowledge also includes a PhD; Bachelor of Arts – Indigenous Studies and Visual Art, Graduate Diploma of Education. Associate Professor for Indigenous Education at the Australian Catholic University, and her leadership experience includes Director of Dinjerra Enterprises, Principal at Dirranbandi State School, Principal at Harlaxton State School, Indigenous Project Leader within Oodgeroo Unit and various Faculties at QUT.
Deputy Executive Director Dr Doug Ashleigh said Dr Dreise’s role was developed to ensure First Nations Peoples lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education within BCE’s 146 schools, integral to our commitment to Reconciliation.
“Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and Peoples benefits all our students and helps create culturally safe schools,” he said.
Dr Dreise said she aims to make ‘real world change’ and make a difference to the lives of BCE students.
“This position is an opportunity for me to be able to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education across the Diocese and make a real difference, a foreseeable difference,” Dr Dreise said.
“I am excited to be developing strategy for the organisation to look at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
“Experiencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories in school is so important for young minds, and as we look into the future, I aspire to see more BCE students learning local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in the classroom.
“This change will really impact our students in so many positive ways, making our students feel more included and creating strong ties to country for so many.
“We have the change in curriculum ready to go and now it’s time we make the positive change.
Dr Dreise is also working with Diversity and Inclusion Officer Chenoa Stockton to guide BCE’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group as we commit to increasing the number of First Nations peoples in Brisbane Catholic Education employment.
Organisational Development Officer - Diversity and Inclusion Chenoa Stockton
Chenoa is a Waka Waka and Kalkadoon woman on her mother’s side and lived most of her life on Quandamooka land at Moreton Bay.
“My great-grandparents were part of the stolen generation and were taken from their homeland in Kalkadoon, near Mount Isa, and made to live in the mission at Cherbourg,” said Chenoa.
“It is important we listen to the stories of the past and learn from these as we walk towards reconciliation.”
Chenoa received a QATSIF scholarship to complete her senior education at Lourdes Hill College while pursuing her passion and talent for playing netball at an elite level. She still volunteers her time being on the First Nations Advisory Board for Netball Queensland & the Queensland Firebirds. After completing a Bachelor of Education at QUT, graduate certificate at ACU and being awarded a BCE scholarship, Chenoa went on to be a teacher before joining BCE as the Organisational Development Officer - Diversity and Inclusion in 2022.
“My first teaching role was at St Thomas More College where I worked on the First Nations program Buwanah Place and taught the first foundation class. I loved it, especially helping students who had disengaged as I felt I could understand them,” said Chenoa.
“As BCE’s Diversity and Inclusivity Officer, my goal is to create a work environment where everyone is recognised, supported and able to thrive.
BCE’s Executive Director Dr Sally Towns is prioritising and supports Dr Mayrah Dreise and Chenoa Stockton’s work,
“We’re committed to creating inclusive and culturally safe schools and workplaces,” she said.
“Our 2022 initiatives have included developing a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy, rolling out new online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural inclusiveness training to all staff, working towards increasing the number of First Nations peoples in Brisbane Catholic Education, and supporting all schools to have Reconciliation Action Plans.”
Chenoa offers great advice for all staff.
“Look at your business unit and ask yourself, ‘What can I do to support First Nations employees in this space?’ and ‘How can I provide access to groups that have not been represented?,” she said.
“If we ask these questions regularly, we will go a long way towards standing up for inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.”
Representation within our workforce is vital in ensuring we represent the community we serve, and we thank these women in particular for their work and sharing their stories with us.