In the federal budget, Commonwealth funding allocated for the next three years has been cancelled for the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.
The Congress has now announced plans to launch a public fund, and it's calling for donations so it can continue its work.
"We have downsized our staff, we have tightened our belts. And within the next couple of months we'll be launching the Congress public fund," said Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, Kirstie Parker.
"And we say to Australians - and there are many fair-minded, decent Australians who believe it is important our people should have a voice. We will be reaching out to them, and we expect that they will do what this government has been unable or unwilling to do."
Extended interview with Kirstie Parker
