Tannah is studying Professional Writing and Publishing as part of a Bachelor of Arts, alongside Commerce. Her decision to pursue both areas reflects the different strengths she wanted to develop, from recognising patterns and working with data to refining her writing and editing skills.

“I love language, grammar and writing,” Tannah said.

With a particular interest in nonfiction, Professional Writing and Publishing felt like a natural fit. However, it was her desire to find a stronger sense of community on campus that encouraged her to pursue an opportunity beyond the classroom.

Stepping outside her comfort zone

Tannah joined the Curtin Kardas, Curtin University’s representative team at the annual Indigenous Nationals, after actively seeking an opportunity to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

She did not initially know anyone involved with the team, but saw the structured training environment as a meaningful way to meet people and strengthen her connection with community.

“I was looking for community with other Indigenous people on campus,” Tannah said.

“I wanted to take that step outside of my comfort zone and meet people in an organised and structured environment that would help me build those connections with mob.”

Tannah was the only Humanities student selected for the Curtin Kardas and was also the team’s only Commerce student.

While her studies were different from those of many of her teammates, she valued the opportunity to represent areas of the University that may not always be visible within a sporting environment.

For Tannah, her contribution extended beyond athletic ability. It was also about bringing the skills, perspectives and strengths she had developed as a Humanities student to the team.

Returning to where the Games began

The 2026 Indigenous Nationals marked the event’s 30th anniversary and returned to Newcastle, on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi Peoples, where the Games originated.

For Tannah, travelling and competing in a culturally safe environment made the experience particularly meaningful.

“I had never experienced travelling in a culturally safe environment with people who also viewed the land in the same way that I do,” she said.

“It was special to be able to talk about my experience there with people who understood it, with my spirituality in mind.”

Returning to the place where the Indigenous Nationals began also gave Tannah an opportunity to reflect on the history and significance of the event.

“It felt like a privilege to bring it back to the stories and origins that started such an amazing event,” she said.

One of the most meaningful moments came during the event’s awards ceremony, when Tannah received special recognition from Elders involved in the Games for her cultural contribution and presence.

“Knowing the Elders were watching, knew who I was and appreciated my presence was such an honour,” she said.

“It meant more to me than any gold medal we could have won.”

A dedicated space for culture and community

Beyond the competition itself, Tannah said the Indigenous Nationals created an important space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia to come together, share cultures and celebrate one another’s achievements.

“The Games are about giving a dedicated space, place and time for mob,” she said.

“It is about making sure mob are taking up space, have a voice and can exchange such a huge array of culture and language.”

Travelling with the Curtin Kardas also strengthened the relationships within the team. Entering an unfamiliar environment together required the students to support one another and work as a collective.

“When you travel somewhere new with people and no one else on your team knows anybody there, you become a unit,” Tannah said.

“That strengthens community and connection.”

The experience required a significant commitment alongside Tannah’s studies, including months of training, meetings and preparation. Although she encountered moments when communication and social expectations were challenging, she remained committed to the team and the opportunity.

“It was an extremely difficult experience for me, but it was worth it,” she said.

“I genuinely grew as a person.”

Tannah encouraged other Indigenous students to consider taking part, regardless of whether they see themselves as athletes.

“It is not about whether you are an athlete,” she said.

“It is about whether you can commit to the culture and the team, and show up for yourself and for other people.”

Reconnecting through art

Alongside her involvement in the Indigenous Nationals, Tannah was awarded second place in Curtin’s Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition.

Her artwork explored her personal journey of reconnecting with culture and ancestors. Tannah is the first person in her immediate family to actively reconnect with culture since her ancestors were taken away.

Although much of that process required personal initiative, she emphasised that reconnection has also brought her closer to community.

“Connection to culture means connection to community,” she said.

“The artwork was about me going on that journey, reconnecting with my ancestors and the healing that comes from that.”

Tannah’s work also explored a wider story shared by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families affected by disconnection.

“My story is not unique,” she said.

“On a broader scale, it is about the healing that happens with the land, the people and the community when people come back to culture.”

At the centre of the artwork is the idea of a healing circle, representing people reconnecting with their past, culture, Country and community one by one.

“When people come back and reconnect with their past, their culture and their mob, it creates a huge healing circle,” Tannah said.

“That is what I wanted to highlight in my artwork.”

Through sport, art and writing, Tannah has found different ways to tell stories, strengthen relationships and contribute to her community. Her experiences demonstrate that meaningful opportunities often begin with the decision to step forward, even when the path feels unfamiliar.

Her advice to other Indigenous students is simple: make the commitment and take the opportunity.

“Do it at least once,” she said. “It builds so much character within yourself, and it gives so much to your community.”

Now in its third year, the challenge brought together undergraduate and postgraduate students from across all faculties and disciplines to explore reconciliAction through truth-telling, collaboration and action. Guided by academics, community leaders, industry partners and knowledge holders, participants were encouraged to move beyond discussion and consider how they could contribute to meaningful change in their future professions and communities.

Curtin Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor, Richard Blythe, said the challenge reflected the power of bringing together diverse perspectives to imagine new futures.

“One of the great things that happens when you bring people from different disciplines, different perspectives and different ways of knowing together is that you get to see the world from multiple perspectives at the same time,” Professor Blythe reflected.

“We have at our disposal an incredible cultural perspective going back 65,000 years. When we combine that knowledge with different disciplines and experiences, we create opportunities to imagine what a different kind of future could look like.”

Professor Blythe described the challenge theme as both confronting and hopeful.

“The country said no, so now what? It’s a terrific question. It’s an incredibly positive question when you really dig into it.”

For Dean of Indigenous Futures, Associate Professor Mandy Downing, the challenge represents a commitment to moving beyond symbolic gestures and towards action.

“Tonight, we celebrate a remarkable collective of Curtin students who answered a genuinely difficult question, one that has hung in the air since the 2023 referendum,” Associate Professor Downing said.

“In the aftermath of the referendum, much of the public conversation drifted into silence while division continued to grow. ReconciliAction offers a way forward.”

Associate Professor Downing explained that ReconciliAction is a framework grounded in truth-telling and critical social action, encouraging participants to engage with difficult conversations and translate learning into meaningful outcomes.

This year’s challenge welcomed students from every faculty, alongside four professional staff members from the Faculty of Humanities who completed the program as part of a professional development pilot. Together, participants worked across disciplines, sharing perspectives, challenging assumptions and developing proposals aimed at advancing reconciliAction in practical ways.

A defining feature of the challenge was its emphasis on Indigenous ways of learning and knowing. Throughout the week, students engaged in yarning circles, reflective practice and deep listening, spending less time on devices and more time connecting with one another, guest speakers and community members.

One particularly meaningful moment occurred on 1 July, when participants sang Happy Birthday to Elders whose births were never officially recorded and who were assigned 1 July as their birth date.

“What made this week extraordinary wasn’t just what was explored. It was how,” Associate Professor Downing noted.

The challenge was supported by a wide range of guest speakers, knowledge holders, community representatives and industry partners who generously shared their time, experiences and perspectives throughout the week.

“The sheer number of people, particularly from community, who volunteered their time and knowledge tells me something important,” Associate Professor Downing said.

“We’re on the right track. We’re delivering work that aligns with Indigenous priorities, and people can feel that.”

For many students, the experience proved transformative.

Bachelor of Education student Chelsea Smith said the challenge encouraged her to rethink how she approaches learning, relationships and reconciliation.

“This unit didn’t just teach me about reconciliation. It challenged me to begin decolonising my own thinking,” Chelsea reflected.

“It encouraged me to question assumptions, listen before I speak, embrace different ways of knowing, being and doing, and recognise that growth begins with openness to keep learning.”

Chelsea described the challenge as one of the most impactful learning experiences of her degree and believes opportunities like this should be embedded across university education.

“If the university is preparing us for the future, then learning that challenges our thinking, builds relationships and inspires action shouldn’t be the exception, it should be the expectation.”

Bachelor of Engineering student Trevor Mwangi highlighted the importance of listening, collaboration and carrying lessons beyond the classroom.

“Throughout the week, we were challenged not only to think differently, but to listen differently,” Trevor shared.

“Real reconciliation isn’t measured by what we know. It’s measured by what we choose to do with that knowledge.”

Closing the showcase, Gretchen Benedix, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, reflected on the significance of the students’ work and the momentum being created through initiatives such as the ReconciliAction Challenge.

“The country said no to a Voice, but what I’m seeing here is that the voice is building,” Professor Benedix said.

“This is the voice. You can take it out there and build it and make it grow. You don’t need a vote for that, you just do it.”

As the third Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Challenge comes to a close, participants leave not only with new knowledge, but with a shared responsibility to act on what they have learned. The challenge may have started with a question, but for many students, it has become a call to action.

Upcoming Indigenous Futures Challenges

To learn more about upcoming Indigenous Futures Challenges, please contact humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au

More than an annual exhibition, ReconciliAction creates a space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student voices are seen, heard and woven into the life of Curtin. Through art, students are invited to share stories of identity, Country, memory and belonging, while the wider university community is invited to listen, reflect and engage.

This year’s first place artwork, Connecting on Country, was created by T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman and second year Bachelor of Education student. Inspired by the relationships formed through studying at Curtin, the artwork reflects the many paths, stories and connections that shape the student experience. It speaks to the friendships, mentorship, collaboration and moments of yarning that help students learn from one another and grow together.

“We all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,” Ms Dearden said.

“This piece represents the meaning that, despite our differences, we grow alongside each other, and we all leave lasting impressions that will stay with each of us for a lifetime.”

As the first place artwork, Connecting on Country is exhibited and displayed adjacent to Level 1, Building 209, Faculty of Humanities, ensuring Ms Dearden’s story continues to be part of Curtin’s physical and cultural landscape. The competition also recognised Tannah Shehan, who received second place for Reconnection, and Crystal Quartermine, who received third place for Seven Sisters. Together, the three winning works reflect the strength, depth and diversity of Indigenous student storytelling across the Curtin community.

For the first time, the exhibition also introduced a People’s Choice Award, with Ms Dearden’s Connecting on Country and Vanessa Burns’ Wagyl artwork receiving equal recognition. 

Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Dean, Associate Professor Mandy Downing, said the exhibition honours Aboriginal artwork and affirms Indigenous sovereignty, while creating space for Indigenous stories, perspectives and lived experiences to be expressed through creativity and culture.

For Associate Professor Downing, ReconciliAction is not only about displaying artwork. It is about making cultural presence visible across the university and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges are respected, celebrated and embedded in shared spaces.

“Together, we are building spaces that foster belonging, celebrate cultural pride, and embody genuine ReconciliAction.”

The exhibition also contributes to the ongoing work of Indigenising settler colonial spaces across Curtin. By foregrounding Indigenous student artwork, ReconciliAction helps shift university spaces into places of recognition, visibility and cultural learning.

Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the exhibition reflects the kind of university community Curtin continues to work towards.

“One that values truth telling, embraces diverse perspectives, and understands the important role education plays in shaping a more inclusive and respectful future,” Professor Blythe said.

He said the exhibition had continued to grow in both scale and significance, creating space for stories that challenge, inspire and deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and lived experiences.

As the exhibition continues to grow, its impact reaches beyond the walls of the gallery. Each artwork becomes part of a larger story about place, connection and responsibility, reminding the Curtin community that reconciliAction is not a single moment, but an ongoing commitment made visible through everyday spaces.

The 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Exhibition is located in the Collaboration Hub, Level 1, Building 418, Curtin University, Bentley. The exhibition is open to the public until 3 July 2026.

2026 Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition and ‘ReconciliAction’ Exhibition Highlights

Now in its third year, the exhibition has become an important space for truth-telling, reflection and dialogue, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, histories and knowledges across the university community.

This year’s winning artwork, Connecting on Country, was created by T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman and second year Bachelor of Education student.

Inspired by the connections formed through studying at Curtin, the artwork reflects the many paths, stories and relationships that shape the university experience. It speaks to the friendships, mentorship, collaboration and moments of yarning that allow students to learn from one another and grow together.

Ms Dearden said the work was centred on the connections people form with one another at Curtin.

“We all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,” Ms Dearden said.

“It is through studying at Curtin that we learn from one another through yarning, collaboration, mentorship, and the friendships we build along the way.

“This piece represents the meaning that, despite our differences, we grow alongside each other, and we all leave lasting impressions that will stay with each of us for a lifetime.”

In addition to a monetary prize, Ms Dearden’s artwork will be recognised, exhibited and permanently displayed on campus, embedding student storytelling into the heart of Curtin life and creating a lasting legacy for future students, staff and visitors.

For the first time, a People’s Choice winner was also announced, with Ms Dearden’s Connecting on Country and student Vanessa Burns’ Wagyl artwork receiving equal recognition.

Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Dean, Associate Professor Mandy Downing said the exhibition honours Aboriginal artwork and affirms Indigenous sovereignty, while creating space for stories, perspectives and lived experiences to be expressed through creativity and culture.

More than a display of art, the exhibition reflects Curtin’s ongoing commitment to creating culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and knowledges are respected, celebrated and woven throughout the university community.

For Associate Professor Downing, the artworks represent not only artistic skill, but identity, resilience, culture and the enduring power of storytelling.

ReconciliAction, she said, asks the Curtin community to move beyond words towards meaningful change.

“It is about creating culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and knowledges are respected, celebrated, and woven throughout our university community,” Associate Professor Downing said.

“Together, we are building spaces that foster belonging, celebrate cultural pride, and embody genuine ReconciliAction.”

The exhibition also contributes to the ongoing work of Indigenising settler colonial spaces across the university. By proudly foregrounding Indigenous artworks by Curtin students, ReconciliAction helps ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives are visible, valued and celebrated across campus.

Curtin Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the exhibition represented something much larger than an annual showcase of creative work.

“It reflects the kind of university community we aspire to be,” Professor Blythe said.

“One that values truth telling, embraces diverse perspectives, and understands the important role education plays in shaping a more inclusive and respectful future.”

Professor Blythe said the exhibition continued to grow not only in scale, but in significance, creating space for stories that challenge, inspire and deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and lived experiences.

Through art, the Curtin community is invited to reflect on reconciliation as an ongoing responsibility, embedded in the everyday life of the institution.

“Initiatives such as ReconciliAction contribute meaningfully to that vision by helping to Indigenise our spaces and ensuring Indigenous knowledges and perspectives are visible across our campuses and communities,” Professor Blythe said.

As the exhibition continues to grow, its presence serves as a reminder of the power of art to create dialogue, deepen understanding and make reconciliAction visible across Curtin’s campuses and communities. The 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Exhibition is located in the Collaboration Hub, Level 1, Building 418, Curtin University, Bentley. The exhibition is open to the public until 3 July 2026.

Led by Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures, the program invites High School students to explore their strengths, expand their aspirations and deepen their connection to learning through hands-on workshops and collaboration.

Throughout the week, students engaged with Curtin academics, community, industry mentors and creative practitioners across a series of practical, immersive sessions. These workshops introduced participants to diverse areas within the creative industries, showcasing future study pathways and the many career possibilities available to them. Participating students had the opportunity to explore Curtin University Bentley Campus, getting a feel for university life and recognising that they are worthy and capable of studying in higher education.

A central feature of the Challenge is its emphasis on collaboration. Students worked alongside peers from different schools, building meaningful connections and drawing inspiration from one another in a supportive, culturally grounded environment. The program encourages confidence, curiosity and self-belief, encouraging participants to see themselves as future leaders, creators and innovators.

The Faculty of Humanities is proud to host this important annual initiative, which continues to strengthen relationships between schools, communities and Curtin University while nurturing the next generation of Indigenous talent.

Watch the Highlights Here

Gallery

For more information on Indigenous Futures Challenges please contact Humanities-Futures@curtin.edu.au

Sophie’s PhD was supervised by Associate Professor Michelle Johnston, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kim Scott, and Professor Huia Jahnker from Massey University (New Zealand). Her doctoral work reflects the depth and strength of Indigenous-led research emerging through MCASI, and her presentation at WIPCE highlighted the cultural integrity, academic rigour, and relevance of her study.

Supporting Sophie at the conference were:
• Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker (School of Education), who has mentored her throughout the project
• Associate Professor Michelle Johnston (MCASI)
• Brendon DeGois (Centre for Aboriginal Studies)
• Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean, Indigenous Futures

Sophie’s achievement demonstrates Curtin University’s commitment to elevating Indigenous scholarship, strengthening research capacity, and celebrating the leadership of emerging Indigenous researchers on a global stage.

Ngaarda Media, based in Leramagadu (Roebourne), is the only licensed Aboriginal broadcaster in the Pilbara region, giving voice to more than 30 Traditional Owner language groups. Founded by the Yindjibarndi community, Ngaarda Media is a respected news broadcaster and content producer sharing language, culture, community stories and First Nations news through radio, television and digital platforms. 

During her visit, Ms Hinaki met with Curtin Journalism students to discuss storytelling partnerships between Ngaarda Media, and Curtin University Journalism and Screen Arts students, highlighting the importance of First Nations perspectives in media practice. 

Originally from the eastern tribes Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tangiora has built her career in media through roles including eight years at ABC Pilbara in Karratha. Her passion for telling First Nations stories continues to drive Ngaarda Media’s work as a community-focused broadcaster. 

The visit was initiated by Dean of Indigenous Futures, Assoc Professor and Ngarluma Yindjibarndi woman, Mandy Downing, whose commitment to ‘Indigenous futures’, the development cultural competency as a graduate attribute and amplifying positive Indigenous stories across media aligns closely with Curtin’s focus on community partnerships and cross-cultural understanding. 

Also facilitating the discussion were Dr Glynn Greensmith, Associate Professor Michelle Johnston, Ms Lucy Martin, Ms Sally Goldrick, and John Curtin Gallery’s Mr Ron Bradfield. 

The discussions marked an exciting step toward future collaborations between Curtin University students and Ngaarda Media, strengthening opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous-led media and storytelling. 

Follow Ngaarda Media on Instagram

Learn more about Curtin University’s Journalism and Screen Arts offerings

We’re excited to highlight a recent publication on the Australian Research Council website. The ARC-funded project “Healing Land, Healing Culture: A Wilman Nyungar Path to Restoration” is Led by respected Noongar man Darryl Kickett, who grew up near the Dryandra Woodlands, the project brings Aboriginal communities together with a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Curtin University, The University of Western Australia and Deakin University.  The projects vision brings together traditional Wilman Nyungar knowledge and ecological science to restore Country in Western Australia.

The Indigenous Futures High School Challenge offers a unique, hands-on experience designed for students eager to develop new skills, uncover their strengths, and ignite their passions, all while exploring the concept of an Indigenous Future within the creative industries.

Throughout this immersive program, high school students will engage in a series of dynamic activities and sessions, all centred around the creative industries on a University campus. With the guidance of experienced educators, facilitators, and mentors, participants will have the opportunity to think creatively and critically, transforming their ideas into meaningful work. By the end of the challenge, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity together— leaving with new insights they can continue to build upon and adapt for university life in the future.

But the challenge is more than just skill-building; it’s about connection and inspiration. This program provides a valuable opportunity to collaborate with peers from different schools, build lasting networks, and draw inspiration from one another in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Whether you’re looking to discover your path in the creative industries or simply want to explore new possibilities, the Indigenous Futures High School Challenge is the perfect platform to develop your potential and envision an Indigenous Future for high school students that is both innovative and inspiring.

2025 Indigenous Futures High School Challenge

When: 10 to 12 November 2025 from 9:30am–2:30pm daily

Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from Year 7 to Year 12

Where: Curtin University, Bentley Campus

Cost: Free – Catering and support for transport via bus is available

How: book via humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au by the 30 October 2025

This program has been designed with and for Aboriginal people

Created by Bachelor of Communications student Desi Marliani and Curtin alumna and artist Fiona Reidy, the piece draws from deep listening, mutual respect, and a shared love for the Weelyark (black cockatoo). It is both a personal expression and a communal statement—reflecting the 2025 National Reconciliation Week theme, “Bridging Now to Next.”

For Desi, the journey has been transformative.

“This competition gave me a chance to listen, learn, and honour Indigenous perspectives through art. It’s more than a platform for creative expression—it’s a space where inclusion and understanding grow. It was a privilege to work alongside Fiona, and together create something that reflects our connection to each other and to Country.”

Fiona echoed these sentiments, sharing how their collaboration came from a place of friendship and a shared connection to the natural world.

“Our bond began with the Weelyark. Whenever we see them fly above, it’s like nature is sending us a message. To me, this artwork was an opportunity to create something meaningful together—celebrating culture, connection, and the journey of reconciliation.”

This year’s competition signals a shift. Rather than focusing solely on individual artistic recognition, it celebrates collaboration and relationality, spotlighting how partnerships can bring reconciliation to life in tangible and visual ways.

Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures, emphasised the broader impact:

“As a Faculty of Humanities, we’re leading Curtin in shaping culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces. What I love most about this year’s piece is the relational aspect—it captures the essence of ReconciliAction: meaningful partnerships grounded in mutual respect and highlights what is possible when we unite.”

Professor Richard Blythe, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty, added:

“This project reshapes how we experience our campus. It invites us to better understand the stories of our Indigenous colleagues—and encourages others to see Curtin as a place they belong.”

As the artwork becomes a new fixture of the campus landscape, its presence will continue to spark curiosity and conversation. More than just a mural, it’s a statement of purpose—aligning with Curtin’s commitment to Indigenising the built environment and creating inclusive spaces where all students feel welcome.

Desi reflects on the competition’s lasting value:

“It’s a platform that doesn’t just showcase emerging artists—it celebrates Indigenous culture, invites non-Indigenous students into the conversation, and fosters connection across our community.”

The Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition remains a cornerstone initiative of the Indigenous Futures capability platform—making reconciliation visible, creative, and deeply felt. Through art, we’re reminded that the most powerful stories are often those shared between people, across cultures, and built on mutual respect.

The competition and winning piece also garnered wider attention, recently being featured in both the print and digital editions of The Examiner newspaper, further highlighting the growing impact of this initiative across the broader community.

Learn more: ReconciliAction in Art: Desi and Fiona’s Story of Collaboration