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With a profound commitment to reestablishing lost ties to family lines and heritage, this essential department navigates the intricate pathways of ancestry to provide children with a comprehensive understanding of their roots.
Steve, our Founder and CEO, is filled with passion, whenever he discusses the imperative work being done by KARI’s genealogy department. His dedication and personal connection to the cause are evident, highlighting his profound connection to his own roots and culture.
“One of the major things that KARI do which is significant for me is around the culture unit they have. They are providing every kid that actually goes through the KARI framework with a package of who they are, where they’re from, a storyline about their family lines and their cultural identity.”
What is KARI’s vision?
KARI’s vision is centered around supporting Aboriginal children, especially those in out-of-home care. Steve praises the work of KARI, focusing on its mind-blowing impact on Aboriginal communities. A significant part of KARI’s mission revolves around their cultural unit, which enables children to learn more about their family connections and the country they come from.
Reconnecting with culture
“I’ve seen firsthand in my work with drug and alcohol services how a disconnection from culture can lead to problems. KARI’s approach of reconnecting children with their roots is not only inspirational, but significant in helping them move forward in life.”
Steve’s passion for KARI’s genealogy department comes from both professional experience and a deeply personal place. Having worked in community health for 20 years, he observed how disconnection from culture led to mental health struggles. KARI’s initiative to provide children with a “package” of their history, including family lines and cultural identity, is close to Steve’s heart, as he recognises its profound effect on healing and identity.
“KARI does exceptionally well in the healing process by helping children get back to who they are, learn more about their culture, and understand their family connections. It’s why I value our support of their cultural unit so much.”
The process of rediscovering one’s heritage is vital, and Steve eloquently describes how KARI helps children learn about their family connections, providing them with a sense of being. This resonates with Steve’s own experiences, as it aligns with the work he did in helping people reconnect with who they are, and learn more about their family lines and connections.
Continuing the conversation
“The opportunity to learn about family connections and origins through KARI’s work gives children a sense of being. It’s not just educational, but deeply empowering and essential for their well-being.”
Steve’s willingness to continue the conversation and offer support reflects his dedication to the mission. His alignment with KARI’s vision, his profound understanding of the importance of reconnecting with one’s heritage, and his own deeply ingrained cultural memories together weave a narrative that is compelling, insightful and deeply human.
By fostering a strong connection with their heritage, KARI’s team plays an imperative role in empowering these children, reconnecting them with their identity, and supporting their overall well-being. Their work resonates deeply within the communities they serve, embodying a nurturing approach that is both innovative and significant in preserving and promoting Aboriginal culture.
“What KARI offers to Aboriginal kids in home care is mind-blowing in the amount of good it does for our communities. Their approach to teaching about family connections and cultural identity is a vital part of that success.”
Together we support the KARI Foundation
From inception, Zipella has given a proportion of revenue to support KARI’s initiatives and he actively encourages others to do the same.His vision is to help the organisation to further develop programs benefitting Aboriginal people across Australia.
KARI is an organisation that has been in existence for over two decades, and has a dedicated staff of 140. They provide unwavering access to culturally appropriate foster care, and a broad range of other services for Aboriginal people.