To celebrate the 2018 NAIDOC theme ‘Because of her, we can!’ I wanted to honour female role models in our communities and their contributions. In my design, I wanted to capture how I look up to my mother and grandmother like how many of us can relate; the mother figure who has kept the family together, made the sacrifices and achievements made for us to achieve greater, who continue to inspire us.
In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, you often have several female leaders who can be anyone such as sisters, aunties, cousins, daughters or friends... not only caring for family but fighting for cultural/social issues while breaking down gender stereotypes.
I wanted to acknowledge those who had passed on- their spirit lives on. This theme is a reminder that makes me appreciate and be thankful for the women paving the way for future generations.