The PALS Schools Reconciliation Awards have been created by the Department of Indigenous Affairs in partnership with BHP Billiton, and with the support of the Department of Education and training.
BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton’s support for the PALS program reflects the company's commitment to further improving and developing the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the wider community.
BHP Billiton believes in the value of education and recognises the important role that the PALS Reconciliation Awards program plays in promoting and achieving Reconciliation throughout the Western Australian community, and aims to lead the way through partnerships with Indigenous people that deliver sustainable benefits to the communities in which it operates.
PALS complements BHP Billiton's own 'Investment in Indigenous Affairs’, which encompasses a range of initiatives to help Indigenous people achieve economic independence.
These include Indigenous education, training, employment, leadership and sports partnerships with a range of organisations committed to sustainable Indigenous relationship building.
The partnership with the Department of Indigenous Affairs helps BHP Billiton work towards achieving excellence in its cross-cultural programs, through the development of harmonious relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
BHP Billiton and Reconciliation Australia have developed the Indigenous Governance Awards: Recognising Excellence to pay tribute to strong, effective Indigenous organisations that benefit the community. The ongoing awards scheme recognises best practise in Indigenous governance and is open to incorporated Indigenous organisations nationwide.
To learn more about BHP Billiton visit www.bhpbilliton.com
Department of Education and Training
The Department of Education and Training and the Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate supports the PALS program because it encourages students in Western Australian schools to improve their knowledge of and actively get involved in reconciliation issues.
This will ultimately improve the possibility of further reconciliation throughout the community.
Yirra Yaakin
Yirra Yaakin, Australia's leading Indigenous theatre group has joined PALS as a sponsor in 2009.
The company was launched initiated in 1993 by an Aboriginal Steering Committee responding to demand from Aboriginal youth to take part in ongoing Youth Theatre programs.
In 2001 a significant new issue based stream was launched to tour professional work to communities Statewide for free. This KUTTA KUTTA stream would soon attract Health, Justice and Welfare interest, with significant funding often underpinning other artistic programs.
The Education program has also flourished in the past four years, with Yirra Yaakin now the first point of Indigenous cultural contact for WA school children. As a leader in educational theatre throughout Western Australia, the partnership with PALS is an ideal way for both organisations to further spread their message of Reconciliation.
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