Part 5: NAAMA heads to Queensland
The NAAMA roadtrip through Far North QLD created powerful opportunities for connection, conversation and shared vision.
On beautiful Yidinji Country, conversations centred around identity, healing, belonging and the importance of Aboriginal men standing together across communities.
One of our early meetings was with Fraser Nai, former Torres Strait Island councillor, and Laurie Nona, a highly respected Torres Strait Island artist. Introducing the vision of NAAMA into conversations with Torres Strait Islander men was met with warmth, enthusiasm and genuine excitement about what this alliance could become across northern Australia.
We also had the privilege of joining BBM Talk Black Radio, sharing the vision of NAAMA across Aboriginal airwaves. Radio continues to be such a powerful way our communities communicate, connect and carry stories, a contemporary songline connecting people across Country.
Another highlight was spending time with one of the true trailblazers and leaders in this space, Dr Mark Wenitong.
Our conversations centred around men’s healing, identity, Country and the importance of reconnecting men to purpose and belonging. What was particularly powerful was hearing Dr Wenitong speak about the medical evidence and research that supports what communities have always known, that when men reconnect to Country, culture and identity, healing begins and people rise again.
That is what NAAMA is about.
Connecting Aboriginal men.
Strengthening healing.
Weaving a songline of men’s stories, leadership and connection right across Northern Australia.
Delivered through partnership by Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation (KWAC), Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation (GY) and Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter (DAIWS). The Paul Ramsay Foundation supports this work.
