Culture is Life’s Untap Your History campaign​ runs May 27 – July 15 2018 and is book-ended by ​National Reconciliation Week​ ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery’ and​ National NAIDOC week​ ‘Because of Her We Can’.

Culture is Life, a foundation partner of ​Richmond Football Club​’s ​Korin Gamadji Institute, launched ‘Untap Your History’ campaign with the release of a video featuring Richmond premiership coach, Damien Hardwick and premiership player, Daniel Rioli, Daniel and Dimma: Stories from Home ​on May 27.

In the video the coach and player share how their family histories and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and history have shaped their perspectives and lives.

“The thing that probably struck me from the outset was how important family was to Daniel, and the stories that came from that were really quite amazing. The stories that go from generation to generation and the significance of spirituality with animals and totems,” Hardwick said.

The Campaign encourages all Australians to ‘untap’ their history by understanding their own ancestral and family stories and the shared history that deepens our sense of belonging and connection to each other as a nation.

Culture is Life is a not-for-profit dedicated to combating the horrific rates of youth suicide and self-harm among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians – nine times higher than their fellow Australians.

“We know that our young peoples’ lived experiences will remain unchanged if the broader Australian community do not value, celebrate and affirm the inspiring achievements and practices of the world’s   oldest living cultures. Let’s think about the impact our history has had on shaping our current experiences as Australians,” Belinda Duarte, CEO, Culture is Life.

To join the campaign online, use the hashtags #untapyourhistory #cultureislife and tag us at @cultureislife www.cultureislife.org.

If you need help or support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours-a-day) or contact your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. If you have questions for the Australian Human Rights Commission contact the National Information line on 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888.