Dr Christine Fejo-King is a senior Larrakia Elder, an accomplished Aboriginal social worker, policy leader, and lifelong advocate for Indigenous self-determination and culturally grounded practice. We were honoured to have Dr Fejo-King recently host a special webinar for the AASW during National Reconciliation Week, where she shared powerful insights drawn from more than 30 years of social work and leadership across Australia.

Dr Fejo-King’s work spans mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, palliative care, education, community development, and child and family services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the former Northern Territory University in 1999 and completed a PhD in 2012 at the Australian Catholic University, focusing on the kinship systems of the Larrakia and Warumungu peoples. Her research has been instrumental in demonstrating how understanding Aboriginal kinship systems can enrich and transform Australian social work education, practice, and research.

A long-time leader and advocate, Christine served as Chairperson of the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Worker’s Association for 11 years, and as Indigenous Chair of the Stolen Generations Alliance in the lead-up to the 2008 National Apology. In these roles, she played a vital part in shaping national policy responses to complex intergenerational trauma and healing. Her contributions have extended to national Indigenous projects in drug and alcohol issues, community violence, and social and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Fejo-King is a Foundation Member of the Australian College of Social Work and co-organised the 3rd International Indigenous Social Work Conference held in Darwin in 2015.

During her recent AASW webinar, Dr Fejo-King reflected on her personal and professional journey, sharing her perspectives on truth-telling, reconciliation, and the role of social workers in promoting genuine change. Her unwavering commitment to culturally safe practice and systemic reform continues to inspire social workers across Australia.

The recipient of the Mary Moylan NT Social Worker of the Year award 2025, and recently appointed as an honorary adjunct Professor at Charles Darwin University, Dr Fejo-King, is a strong advocate for social work in the NT, will continue to positively impact social work curriculum development and collaborate with academics on projects.