The Senior Coordinator for Indigenous Student Engagement at CQUniversity, proud Djaku-nde woman Leonie Taylor, is this NAIDOC Week reflecting on how blessed she was to have the strength of her parents and Elders in her community, who were pivotal in passing down knowledge and instilling the culture and truth of generations passed, that formed who she is today.
From a legacy founded in advocacy, trailblazing and changemaking with connections to Mabo, Ms Taylor knows what it means to work hard for better, resting upon a foundation of strength and knowing oneself in spirit.
"My parents were activists and I'm proud of what they did for us, because they made us alert to what we should be fighting for," she said.
"Growing up they didn't have access to education and they fought for the services they got, so they instilled in me the importance of getting an education so that we could advance."
Ms Taylor's activist parents were involved in the movement with the late Eddie "Koiki" and Bonita Mabo, who initiated the first 'Black Community School' in Townsville – where Leonie also attended.
She said the school was integral in instilling the values of her culture and identity, along with learning and speaking language that was carried on from her Elders.
One of seven children, Ms Taylor was the first in her family to attend university, completing a Bachelor of Social Work and she says if not for the activism and encouragement of her parents, and the Elders who came alongside them, her story would've been very different.
"I initially dreamt of becoming a flight attendant, but when my parents saw my high school scores, they made it clear that I was to go to university," she said.
"From my time there I was also blessed to make some beautiful connections with people, and as graduating social workers we founded Gallang Place, which is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counselling service, as there was a real need in the community for those services."
Looking back at pivotal moments in her life, Ms Taylor attributed her resilience to the path paved by her Elders, honouring them and their profound impact.
"The year's NAIDOC theme 'For Our Elders' is so close to my heart – I truly honour my ancestors and my Elders who not only created the pathway, but helped me to become strong in spirit so that I could pass that onto my children," she said.
"You never forget the words that have been spoken over your life to become and to lead, and instill in the future generation to be proud, to be strong, to be deadly – and to never forget who you are and where you come from."
As a proud mother, stepmother and grandmother, Ms Taylor has taught her children that even through trauma, there's healing and strength to be found.
"It reminds me of the importance of reconciliation – but that can't come until there's truth telling and our people themselves find out who they are," she said.
"Some of us are still on that journey and it must be known that we are here to support them, and we as a nation need to recognise that.
"But with the foundation and legacy of our Elders, with the resilience and activism they showed to keep on that journey to show initiative like they did in the 1967 referendum, it has provided us with the pathway to be empowered to see this nation prosper."
NAIDOC Week is regarded around the nation as one of the most pivotal key dates on the annual calendar, as we move further towards reconciliation, closing the gap and celebrating the rich history of this country and the tapestry of those who've forged the path.
