Erin reflects on the NAIDOC 2023 theme, 'For Our Elders'

I'm what you would call 'an educated bogan'; in that, I have graduated from university, but I'm from the bush and a 'straight shooter'. I grew up in the middle of nowhere, in a little town called Condamine. "Condy" is situated in South-West Queensland on Mandandanji Country. My connections and family are originally from Kamilaroi Country in NSW. I feel strong connections and love toward both mobs respectfully. Since I started secondary teaching in 2016, I have researched, developed and delivered through Aboriginal ways of learning, being and doing. Through this process I created the Aboriginal Pedagogy and program called: 'The Winanga-Li Teachers Program'. This program is directly helping educators from all sectors embed Indigenous perspectives; creating culturally inclusive classrooms and workplaces. This system of classroom delivery will not only further entice reconciliation practices within relevant staff members, but with respective communities within both Indigenous and non-Indigenous demographic.

The NAIDOC theme for 2023 is very close to my heart. I have a very strong relationship with many Elders both in my direct bloodline and communities that I'm directly involved with. In particular, as a 'migaloo' (white Indigenous person) I feel a cultural obligation to stand strong, proud and loud! I could easily hide my Indigeneity, the Elders in my life couldn't hide; and as a result they suffered and experienced extreme rac ism. My purpose and educational career is centred from the ability to 'walk in both worlds'; something I want all people to do. This is what will heal our Country/Countries and our people. Once there is understanding, there will be no fear - when there is no fear reconciliation and its benefits will follow.