Emmanuela Shinta is a Dayak leader, activist, environmentalist, filmmaker and writer with a reputation for leading and empowering indigenous youth. Her work has been recognized widely in the Asia Pacific through her YOUTH ACT CAMPAIGN, an indigenous youth movement for climate action as a response to forest fire and haze in 2015. In 2016, Emmanuela founded an organisation called Ranu Welum Foundation, through which she has trained hundreds of young indigenous people to use audio-visual media to speak about indigenous people’s rights. She has been speaking about Dayak people across international forums and bringing the stories from Kalimantan Island to a global audience through films and her book ME, MODERNISM AND MY INDIGENOUS ROOTS. Emmanuela is also the founder of the International Indigenous Film Festival series across South East Asia. In 2018, Emmanuela began a world storytelling tour themed around Indigenous Stories That Matter, which travelled through the United States, Australia, Europe and many Asian countries.

Jade Preston has dedicated twenty years of her career to supporting disadvantaged individuals in align with her strong sense of social justice. Within her current role in the Department of Health and Human Services she is tasked with supporting vulnerable individuals with complex needs who are experiencing significant challenges navigating disability and mainstream systems. Jade works with people at risk of homelessness, justice involvement, children in the protection system and those unable to leave mental health facilities due to a lack of support in the community. An integral element of Jade’s work is to empower each mainstream interface by building capacity, and ensuring each intersect is held accountable to their responsibilities. Jade brings a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge to the IEF Board.

Rob Henry has worked with marginalised groups at a grass-root level for over a decade. Since 2008, Rob has lived and worked with the Mentawai community in western Sumatra, conducting anthropological research focused on Indigenous cultural knowledge, oral literature and the cause and impacts of loss of connection with their culture, land and its resources. In 2014, Rob founded the Indigenous Education Foundation (IEF) to empower the Mentawai community and other Indigenous peoples across the globe to reconnect with and further strengthen their culture as a means to prevent poverty. In 2017, Rob produced and directed award-winning documentary film, As Worlds Divide, which, filmed over the course of 8 years living with the Mentawai, explores the impacts of displacement and provides a compelling insight into the value of Indigenous knowledge in relation to some of today’s greatest global challenges. Rob has held the position of Chairman of the IEF board of Directors from 2014 – 2018. He continues volunteering his time as IEF President and working closely with our Indigenous partners.

Damian Sutherland is Senior Director at a leading Australian Accounting firm, William Buck, and holds numerous Board positions.

Rob Henry has worked with marginalised groups at a grass-root level for over a decade. Since 2008, Rob has lived and worked with the Mentawai community in western Sumatra, conducting anthropological research focused on Indigenous cultural knowledge, oral literature and the cause and impacts of loss of connection with their culture, land and its resources. In 2014, Rob founded the Indigenous Education Foundation (IEF) to empower the Mentawai community and other Indigenous peoples across the globe to reconnect with and further strengthen their culture as a means to prevent poverty. In 2017, Rob produced and directed award-winning documentary film, As Worlds Divide, which, filmed over the course of 8 years living with the Mentawai, explores the impacts of displacement and provides a compelling insight into the value of Indigenous knowledge in relation to some of today’s greatest global challenges. Rob has held the position of Chairman of the IEF board of Directors from 2014 – 2018. He continues volunteering his time as IEF President and working closely with our Indigenous partners.

Samantha Lee is currently studying a Bachelors in Forest Science and Management and is passionate about humans and their relationship to their forests – both economically, socially and spiritually. With a B of Digital Media also under her belt, she brings to IEF many years of experience leading and inspiring teams. When not busying herself with resarch and report writing for IEF (volunteer), she spends her time enamoured by biodiversity and eucalypts.

Chantalle is a graphic designer with a love for creativity in all forms. She enjoys exploring a wide range of illustration and branding styles, always seeking new ways to bring ideas to life. Chantalle contributes her creative skills to support visual communications, helping to bring the organisation’s mission to life through compelling design. Outside of design, you’ll often find her behind the camera, painting delicate portraits, collecting visual inspiration, and creating beautiful, meaningful work.

Isabelle commenced volunteering with the Indigenous Education Foundation in 2021, providing support in the revision of the Mentawai Rereiket-Indonesian dictionary. Isabelle graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2018 after completing the Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics and Indonesian) and Master of Speech Pathology. These degrees developed Isabelle’s interest and passion for indigenous languages, in particular the role of language in preserving culture and knowledge for First Nations communities. Isabelle currently works as a paediatric Speech Pathologist, a role which has highlighted for her the importance of exposing children to ancestral languages, and the benefits of immersing children in language-rich environments. Isabelle strongly believes in the relationship between indigenous language learning and self-identity, and is excited to support the Mentawai community to empower the next generation of Mentawai Sarereiket speakers.

Samuel graduated with a Master of Data Science from Deakin University and is passionate about pursuing a career in the IT industry. Through his volunteer role as an IT Supervisor with IEF, Samuel is gaining valuable experience and knowledge in managing IT projects. He is dedicated to continuous self-learning and sees this opportunity as an ideal way to apply his skills, explore new technologies, and further develop his expertise. In addition to his role at IEF, Samuel actively volunteers with other organisations, contributing his time to support both the local community and international student initiatives.

TBA

Cindy is a dedicated Finance Assistant volunteer who enjoys working with numbers and contributing to the success of the team. She is passionate about learning, collaboration, and bringing a positive energy to the workplace. In her role, Cindy assists with financial reporting and processes that support our Indonesian-based partners. Outside of work, she loves exploring new cafés, travelling, and watching movies.