This NAIDOC Week, Citi, together with Citi Foundation, has welcomed Indigenous-led Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Minderoo Foundation as new partners. Citi Australia’s Head of Community, Sponsorship, and Engagement, Louise Lindsay, said Citi, globally, had a long history of addressing racial equality and was proud of local efforts to elevate the voice of Indigenous Australians.
“It’s great to be partnering with Bangarra and the Minderoo Foundation and to welcome them as our newest partners. Both organisations are making great strides to create economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians, while also celebrating the incredible culture and achievements of our First Nations people,” Ms Lindsay said.
Bangarra Dance Theatre is a leading Australian performing arts group promoting awareness and understanding of Indigenous Culture. For more than 32 years, Bangarra has been working with Indigenous dancers to bring the stories of First Nations Communities to life.
“Bangarra is internationally renowned for its breathtaking, creative works, which not only showcase exceptional talent, story-telling, and technique but bring Indigenous culture to life for the audience.
Through our partnership with Bangarra, we aim to support in this mission of creating inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences that promote awareness and understanding of culture. We look forward to sharing this with our clients, colleagues, and broader community.”
Citi Foundation is supporting the Minderoo Foundation’s Generation One Youth Co: Lab initiative, which supports Indigenous entrepreneurs through capital, mentorship, and training. Minderoo’s Dream Venture Masterclasses have already trained more than 120 Indigenous business owners and through Youth Co:Lab will this year expand to offer a youth program.
“Youth Co: Lab is the largest youth social entrepreneurship movement in the APAC region, and we are excited for Citi Foundation to co-lead this work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Working with Minderoo Foundation we can bring this highly successful program to Australia.
Through the masterclasses, we hope to equip Indigenous Australians with the connections, capabilities, and access to capital to become investor ready. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area at Citi and it will be a great opportunity for our team to connect with and mentor the next generation of business leaders.”
In its 47th year of celebrations, NAIDOC 2022 celebrates the proud history of Indigenous Australians
getting up, standing up, and showing up.
“At Citi, we recognise the role and responsibilities we have as a global financial leader to support diversity and inclusion and strive for economic equality. We look forward to working with both Bangarra and the Minderoo Foundation to showcase the history and heritage of Indigenous Australia,” Lindsay concluded.