Apryl Day – Dhadjowa Foundation – End Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Deaths in Custody
$30,000
The Dhadjowa Foundation, an independent not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing strategic and culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families affected by deaths in custody. Governed by families whose loved ones have died in custody, Dhadjowa relies on fundraising, philanthropy, and grants to deliver peer support, financial assistance, and campaign capacity building.
In 2021, a coalition of 13 families led a national campaign to end Black deaths in custody, gaining momentum with positive media attention and over 36,000 petition signatures. The Seeding Strength grant will support Dhadjowa to plan a relaunch with a renewed strategy, increased family participation, and a commitment to centering lived experiences in family-led campaigning efforts.
“Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Deaths in Custody, we have had at least 555, with 19 of those unjust deaths this year. We must act immediately to stop any more of our community members dying at the hands of police and prisons. Dhadjowa hopes this campaign will bring families together to lead a nation campaign governed in self determination and family led advocacy. We need our voices and calls to action centred to end the systemic issues that continue to kill our mob and to get those life saving reforms. We know that family led advocacy is the most powerful and successful, we want to support our families collectively in their fight for justice.”
Apryl Day (she/her), 31 years, Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba and Barapa Barapa