{"id":40259,"date":"2026-07-28T10:03:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T02:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/?post_type=futures-platform&#038;p=40259"},"modified":"2026-07-28T10:09:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T02:09:36","slug":"finding-connection-through-culture-creativity-and-community","status":"publish","type":"futures-platform","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/futures-platform\/finding-connection-through-culture-creativity-and-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding connection through culture, creativity and community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Curtin University student Tannah Shehan, a Ballardong yok or woman, stepping outside her comfort zone led to two significant achievements: representing Curtin at the Indigenous Nationals and receiving second place in the Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI love language, grammar and writing,\u201d Tannah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stepping outside her comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tannah joined the Curtin Kardas, Curtin University\u2019s representative team at the annual Indigenous Nationals, after actively seeking an opportunity to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI was looking for community with other Indigenous people on campus,\u201d Tannah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tannah was the only Humanities student selected for the Curtin Kardas and was also the team\u2019s only Commerce student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Let\u2019s go Kardas \ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udda4\u2764\ufe0f | Indigenous Nationals | Centre for Aboriginal Studies x Curtin Sport\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Mi8sum8wpJc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Curtin Life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Returning to where the Games began<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 Indigenous Nationals marked the event\u2019s 30th anniversary and returned to Newcastle, on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi Peoples, where the Games originated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Tannah, travelling and competing in a culturally safe environment made the experience particularly meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI had never experienced travelling in a culturally safe environment with people who also viewed the land in the same way that I do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt was special to be able to talk about my experience there with people who understood it, with my spirituality in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Returning to the place where the Indigenous Nationals began also gave Tannah an opportunity to reflect on the history and significance of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt felt like a privilege to bring it back to the stories and origins that started such an amazing event,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most meaningful moments came during the event\u2019s awards ceremony, when Tannah received special recognition from Elders involved in the Games for her cultural contribution and presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKnowing the Elders were watching, knew who I was and appreciated my presence was such an honour,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt meant more to me than any gold medal we could have won.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A dedicated space for culture and community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Games are about giving a dedicated space, place and time for mob,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is about making sure mob are taking up space, have a voice and can exchange such a huge array of culture and language.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen you travel somewhere new with people and no one else on your team knows anybody there, you become a unit,\u201d Tannah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat strengthens community and connection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience required a significant commitment alongside Tannah\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt was an extremely difficult experience for me, but it was worth it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI genuinely grew as a person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tannah encouraged other Indigenous students to consider taking part, regardless of whether they see themselves as athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is not about whether you are an athlete,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is about whether you can commit to the culture and the team, and show up for yourself and for other people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reconnecting through art<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alongside her involvement in the Indigenous Nationals, Tannah was awarded second place in Curtin\u2019s Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1449\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/Artwork-Reconnection-scaled.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/Artwork-Reconnection-scaled.png 1449w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/Artwork-Reconnection-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/Artwork-Reconnection-1087x1536.png 1087w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1449px) 100vw, 1449px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reconnection by Tannah Shehan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although much of that process required personal initiative, she emphasised that reconnection has also brought her closer to community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cConnection to culture means connection to community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe artwork was about me going on that journey, reconnecting with my ancestors and the healing that comes from that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tannah\u2019s work also explored a wider story shared by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families affected by disconnection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy story is not unique,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOn a broader scale, it is about the healing that happens with the land, the people and the community when people come back to culture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen people come back and reconnect with their past, their culture and their mob, it creates a huge healing circle,\u201d Tannah said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat is what I wanted to highlight in my artwork.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her advice to other Indigenous students is simple: make the commitment and take the opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDo it at least once,\u201d she said. \u201cIt builds so much character within yourself, and it gives so much to your community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery.kb-gallery-wrap-id-40259_8df614-9a{overflow:hidden;}.kb-gallery-id-40259_8df614-9a .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-40259_8df614-9a .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-40259_8df614-9a.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{overflow:visible;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-40259_8df614-9a.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kt-blocks-carousel{overflow:visible;}<\/style><div 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Carousel\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><ul class=\"kt-blocks-carousel-init kb-gallery-carousel splide__list\"><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-carousel-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-port34 kb-has-image-ratio-port34\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-134-Custom-scaled.jpg\"   alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-134-Custom-scaled.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-134-Custom-scaled.jpg\" data-id=\"40269\" class=\"wp-image-40269 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-134-Custom-scaled.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-134-Custom-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-134-Custom-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-carousel-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div 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data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-14-Custom-scaled.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-14-Custom-scaled.jpg\" data-id=\"40270\" class=\"wp-image-40270 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-14-Custom-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-14-Custom-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/MARVMEDIA_CURTINHUMANITIESEVENT-14-Custom-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For Curtin University student Tannah Shehan, a Ballardong yok or woman, stepping outside her comfort [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":303,"featured_media":40260,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","wds_primary_category":9,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"class_list":["post-40259","futures-platform","type-futures-platform","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indigenous-futures"],"acf":false,"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-4-1000x500.jpg","author_meta":{"display_name":"289054e"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform\/40259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/futures-platform"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/303"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform\/40259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40280,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/futures-platform\/40259\/revisions\/40280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}