Amid the everyday business of influencing policy, uplifting community voices and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, NAIDOC Week provides Yardhura Walani with an opportunity to reflect on the path that has brought us to where we are today, and the journey forward.
We acknowledge those who have paved the way for us to be here. We honour the responsibility we have from giants of the health research space, spanning decades, who guide our journey: Aunty Pat Anderson, Uncle Tom Calma and the late Aunty Lowitja O’Donoghue. We learn from our Elders and carry on the legacy of our ancestors.
The heirlooms we have inherited are the songs, the stories, the dances, the community, the Country, culture, and the beliefs. In our work at Yardhura Walani, we carry these gifts and cherish the communities who share their stories with us. In doing so, we protect our cultural heritage and preserve it for future generations.
This year’s NAIDOC theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy marks fifty years of the movement that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, culture and resilience by paying recognition to the new generation who will carry the torch forward.
We spoke to three emerging leaders at Yardhura Walani to share their stories and thoughts on this year’s theme, and how they want to shape their future.
Pictured left to right: Kiara Barker, Oliver Black and Makayla Holz
Dr Ollie Black (Anaiwan) is a Research Fellow and Director of the Yukaaywa Purrary Study. The Yukaaywa Purrary Study is a national study focused on young people, their wellbeing and what makes them strong. Ollie’s work takes him to communities where he speaks to Mob, families and children about culture and strength. For Ollie, NAIDOC Week is a testimony of the strength and vision of our Elders. Growing up, Ollie was not connected to his language or culture. He would like his legacy to be one of learning and preserving. On carrying his legacy forward, Ollie admits it isn’t easy work, “but I feel like the gift of perseverance and tenacity in trying to drive change, as slowly as change can sometimes seem to take, is a legacy I’m taking forward”.
Makayla Holz (Kamilaroi), an administrative assistant providing critical support to programs across Yardhura Walani, is committed to learning about her Mob and culture. Her family is healing from the impact of the Stolen Generation. As an expectant mother, she hopes to raise her daughter to be proud and aware of her identity and strong in her culture.
“As I prepare to welcome my daughter to the world, my biggest hope is that she grows up surrounded by love, family, community and culture.”
Through Makayla’s work, working with and for her peoples, helps her stay connected to community and culture. For her future, Makayla hopes for healing, for strength and empowerment.
Kiara Barker (Murawarri/Ngemba) is a key member of the Cultural and Wellbeing team. She sees herself building on her strength and legacy through everyday life. Attending events, going to Country when she can, participating in song, dances, language workshops and spending time with her family – these are all things that help her ground herself in culture. She also feels this connection with culture at work.
“Sometimes when I am out there talking to Mob about the Mayi Kuwayu Study, I learn a lot by yarning and engaging with them. It makes me feel connected to other Mobs. I get to meet people at conferences and it reminds me that we are different but connected in many ways”.
Ngemba Country, Brewarrina NSW – picture supplied by Kiara Barker
Kiara acknowledges her unique position and responsibility as a young adult. She knows what her ancestors have been through and she wants to do her part in preserving her tradition, culture and language.
It is with the aspiration and wisdom of these emerging leaders that we charge forward, honouring those who have paved the way for us, the communities that shape our priorities, and acknowledging the future generations whose strength and spirit will propel our collective action into the future.
To all Mob out there, happy NAIDOC week!
