The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander International Engagement Organisation Network is made up of a multitude of different First Nations backgrounds, experiences and skillsets. The diverse nature of the voices within the network are a reflection of the diversity of our tribal nations, clans and communities and the different lenses and experiences within that spectrum are projected from the ATSIIEO platform internationally. This firsthand perspective and lens from different First Nations people is far more reflective of the communities we inhabit and more reflective of the needs, wants, hopes and aspirations of the places we call home.
First Nations people, organisations and communities are welcome to connect and join to the network. Whether looking to build connections with like-minded First Nations mob, build international connections and pathways or stand up and speak to the reality and aspirations of your experience from your community.
THE ATSIIEO EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The ATSIIEO Executive Leadership Council provide the executive leadership, governance and overarching strategic direction for the organisation. With a diverse array of skillsets, community experience and a commitment to improve the standing, visibility and connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the team are passionate, dedicated and experienced in creating connection, impact and change.
Jesse T Martin- Jesse T Martin is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man of the Wagadagam and Yuin peoples. He is the founder of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander International Engagement Organisation (ATSIIEO) and founder of the Streets Movement Organisation (TSM) a community development charity providing infrastructure development, social impact and education pathways for Indigenous people. Mr Martins work has seen him work in international development and community partnerships around the world throughout the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, China, U.S and U.K including leading delegations with representation at the United Nations. He is a published author with Columbia University and the U.N on Indigenous perspectives in economic, social and political development, with work alongside university and corporate partners around the world providing pathways for First Nations peoples to learn and engage with the international community. He has lead national framework developments around Indigenous governance and community impact as well as nation building projects across the Asia-Pacific and building national programs with international connections to build educational pathways and economic self determination for First Nations people. His work has been developed to provide opportunities in particular to regional and remote areas linking them with international networks, pathways and partners dedicated to a collective impact through utilisation of educational, political and economic development as a driver for creating positive social development outcomes.
Sarah Szydzik- Mrs Szydzik is a Yirrigandji woman from Yarrabah Far North Queensland. She is the CEO of Guuya Duyai the National peak body for First Nations Mental Health and Wellbeing. Mrs Szydzik has held numerous national positions across the arts space and in economic development roles for First Nations peoples. Her work has seen her travel and lead delegations both domestically and internationally to the United Kingdom, U.S and to the United Nations as well as provide national leadership in her field advising the Prime Minister, Senior Cabinet Ministers and Senators in leading national strategies. With a background in law Mrs Szydzik specialises in governance, development and organisational impact and has developed national programs for youth in building educational pathways between universities, economic development strategies for communities as well as social and health policy outcomes on a national level. Mrs Szydzik work within the justice reform, health, social impact and economic development spheres places her as a predominant figure in the First Nations development sphere and an inspiring leader in this space.
George Coe, is a proud Torres Strait Islander and Wiradjuri Man from the upper Galari, born and currently living on his father’s Country which is in the Central West, NSW. Immersed into his Wiradjuri culture Mr Coe also has the benefit of having both First Nations cultures as part of his upbringing and heritage with his connection to his mother’s people in the Torres Straits and their cultural practices. Mr Coe has an extensive background which extends through the Cultural, Community and Political development sphere. With positions including that of Chairman of the Bila Gilari Aboriginal Corporation a community service and impact organisation working across the region and also the founder of Wahlan Warriors a Community Impact organisation designed to deliver pathways, health, cultural and educational impact for young people in the Central West NSW region. Mr Coe is also the founder of FISTT (Fighting in Solidarity Towards Treaties) the nations largest First Nations political and social grassroots activism collective. His work within the grassroots of localised impact and approaches towards First Nations issues has cemented his place as a leading figure in the Aboriginal Movement and as a major figure within this space.
Jack Collard is a proud Nyoongar man with cultural and ancestral ties to Whadjuk and Balladong country. With formal education and a background in Political Science and International Relations he has both academic and practical experience in the international relations sphere. In his leadership capacity within the UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus he is a Focal Point for the Pacific region as well as SDG 13: Climate Action. Jack was awarded the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship and undertook studies in Indonesia, he was selected as the highest ranking Indonesian scholar as well as the top Indigenous Scholar – making him the only dual Fellow in the history of the scholarship to receive this honour. Jack is a highly sought after speaker and has addressed the United Nations in New York and Geneva as well as keynote speeches to high ranking government representatives in internationally about the importance of long term investment into Indigenous communities. Jack is the Global Ambassador for Indigenous Affairs for Boya Energy, a role that allows Jack to fulfil his international diplomacy work across the globe with the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus as a representative of the Nyoongar nation. He is very passionate about the importance of youth involvement in decision making processes and this passion motivated him to be involved in the facilitation of the Boorloo (Perth) Indigenous Youth Yarning Circle with Jack also spending his spare time mentoring students and teaching Nyoongar language and culture.
Malakai Johnson is of both the Gooreng Gooreng people of Central QLD and of South Sea Island descendant, with his clan of the Port Curtis and Coral Coast region. With an extensive background in environmental protection and land conservation Mr Johnson utilises his expertise and skills to give back to the local community and support community participation in ensuring ecosystems are placed at the forefront while supporting continued connection to land and sea country, and traditional uses.