“I chose to be photographed here because this is where my childhood home once stood. It brings back strong memories of growing up – of family, community, and connection where the foundations of language and culture were instilled in me. This place is deeply personal to me, and it reminds me why I do the work I do.
Preserving the ancestral tongues, I am a proud Torres Strait Islander woman and a leading advocate for Indigenous language preservation. My life has been spent dedicated to ensuring that the linguistic heritage of my people endures. Through teaching, documentation, and advocacy, I work tirelessly to revive and protect traditional dialects, recognising that each word holds cultural knowledge passed down through generations.
Beyond language, I am a cultural educator, bridging the gap between Elders and youth. Developing community-led programs that reconnect young people to their heritage. Ensuring that their identity remains strong, has been a focus of my work. I have also contributed to national discussions on Indigenous language policies, reinforcing the importance of keeping these voices alive.
A lifelong champion of my people’s cultural survival, I strive to ensure that the voices of my ancestors continue to be heard, spoken and cherished by generations to come. Language is not just words, it’s who we are. If we lose our language, we lose a part of ourselves.”