Yep, I've been hit with this many times throughout my life.
I even once had a teacher tell me, 'What are you doing, sit back down, you're not Aboriginal!', when I was getting up to join other Indigenous kids for a out-of-class lesson with mob. But don't worry, I stood proud and told her I absolutely was before I marched out of that room...
I'm obviously not just First Nations/Aboriginal though. I am lucky enough to have a unique tapestry of cultural heritage. My mum's father is Indigenous (this is where Kalkadoon lines come in), while her mother has blonde hair and green eyes. My father, along with his parents, immigrated from Scotland in the late 60's when he was a young child - he has brown hair, freckles and blue eyes. With all that taken into account, I am a proud to identify as an Aboriginal woman, descending from the Kalkadoon Peoples, and although my outward appearance is not what some people would 'expect', I have been lucky to have been immersed in my Indigenous heritage from a young age.
Growing up in a small town built on Kalkadoon Country; Dreamtime stories, symbolism, food, weapons, instruments, art, experiences, understanding and respect for culture, have been part of my foundation.
Both my mum and my Aunty were always driving forces behind ensuring us kids knew our Aboriginal roots. We are however, still to this day, on a journey of discovery after much of our family story has been buried (we know there is further First Nations blood running through us, but are still working to trace the origin) due to the fear held by past generations surrounding the Stolen Generation.
Great-Great-Grandma Lily Peachey (nee Reid) (R) and her daughter 'Ann' (L), my Great-Grandfather Fred Peachey's sister and mum.
Below is Lily's marriage certificate, only states her surname as 'Aboriginal'...
As a kid, my mum organised NAIDOC Week celebrations at our primary school and was the facilitator for an Indigenous Homework Centre after school providing support for First Nations students. She attended university as a mature-aged student, after having us 4 kids, to study her Bachelor of Education via the RATEP (Remote Area Teaching Education Program) providing pathways for First Nations Peoples to become qualified Teachers and Educators. I too studied my 1st Year of Teaching through this program before deciding it wasn't the right path for me and generally not agreeing with our Mainstream Education system and it not catering to the needs of First Nations children - but that's another debate... My Aunty on the other hand has spent decades working in both Government and Private sectors, strongly advocating for First Nations opportunities and equality.
As a child, I took for granted just how lucky I was to be surrounded by my Aboriginal culture; at school, events in my community and at home - especially at family BBQ's where my great Uncle loved pulling out his didgeridoos to play (in between playing pranks which drove everyone crazy).
Some of my crazy mob and the ring-ins 🖤
It wasn't until moving to the 'Big Smoke' (aka. Brisbane) at a somewhat naïve 21year old, back in 2008, that I experienced a bit of 'culture shock', as I realised the lack of understanding, representation and exposure in some areas. I was even surprised when I had to explain certain slang and words/language I had always used back home, to my confused boyfriend at the time (who is my now husband).
For many years following my move, I lost connection with a lot of my culture as I spent my 20's travelling, partying and getting swept up in the city life. It wasn't until entering my 30's, creating a family of my own and struggling with my my mental health, that I felt myself being pulled to reconnect to culture and the foundations of who I am.
These last few years I have put in a lot of energy to re-establishing and grounding myself in my culture, realising there is always more to learn and understand about my past, my family-tree and my mob. I know I have not experienced the same challenges, prejudice and flat out racism many other First Nations Peoples have, due to how much milk is in my tea (and the fact I bleach my hair to hide the grey...sshhh) and because of that, I was incredibly fearful of sharing my art and stories.
Celebrating my Nan's 90th back in 2013, the year before she passed from dementia and my favourite person in the world. She was always apprehensive talking about her heritage due to fear. We are still working at tracing all of her lineage. Beside me is my Poppie who passed in 2020.
I am beyond thankful for the love, support and acceptance I have received since the very first time I shared 'Coming Home'. I am proud I am able to be myself, share my stories, my passions and my culture, while being able to give back to Indigenous charities and donate products when I am able.
It's incredibly moving to know more and more people are eager to learn about First Nations People and Culture, while also embracing Indigenous art; from communities commissioning large Indigenous murals, individuals having pieces hanging in their homes or even those who love spreading out a 'Coming Home', 'Stomping Ground' or 'Solid Rock' throw blanket at every picnic, beach day, bbq and play date, or proudly carry their Indigenous art totes around with them.
Thank you.
Big love, Steph x
Remember: Keep learning, keep appreciating, keep advocating, keep listening and keep respecting.
