With the start of NAIDOC Week a reminder to us all, the Holy Spirit Catholic College, Lakemba, student wants to speak out on the importance of understanding and celebrating Aboriginal culture – not only due to its enriching qualities but also due to its impact on creating a more unified Australian society.
“I’m proud to be Aboriginal and I want to share that with the world,” she says.
“I hope my performances can help people connect with our culture in a positive way.
“Representation in the media is also important. When Aboriginal people are represented in the media, they’re often depicted as angry.
“We absolutely need more positive depictions of our culture and people.”
One of many student performers from an Aboriginal or culturally diverse background at her school, she is encouraged to tell her story and develop self-expression – whether it’s as part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Ensemble (Murrawadeen Goodjarga) or in Sydney Catholic Schools’ Arts HQ Performing Arts Ensemble.
Jane Bridges, Supervisor: Student Wellbeing Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander at Sydney Catholic Schools, said: “Recognising, respecting and honouring the unique culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is vital – and this all starts in our classrooms and on our assembly hall stages.”
Lailah will soon train full-time at esteemed performing arts school, Ettinghausens, and wants to pursue a career in the arts as well as continue to advocate for more Aboriginal voices in the field.
