In the heart of Noongar country, Sharon Ninyette walks a path grounded in cultural integrity, shaped by the wisdom of her Ancestors and driven by a vision for a stronger, prouder future. As an Aboriginal Engagement Specialist at DevelopmentWA and a respected cultural leader from Gnaarla Karla Boodja, Sharon embodies strength, vision, and legacy; not as lofty ideals, but as everyday responsibilities.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and land management, Sharon's work spans mentoring, executive leadership, organisational development and truth-telling. But her impact cannot be captured in job titles alone. Her presence in a room—whether it's with Traditional Owners, public servants, or future leaders—is one that honours deep listening, cultural knowledge and the fire of community healing.

"As a Noongar woman, strength is not just about survival," Ms Ninyette told National Indigenous Times. "It is carrying the spirit of my Ancestors through every challenge. Strength is rising each day with culture in our bones and kinship in my heart, walking proudly on Country."

Today, Friday July 4, she will take to the national stage at the 2025 National NAIDOC Forum in Boorloo/Perth, sharing her lived experience and insights on cultural healing, regional resilience, and legacy-building in a session that promises to leave a lasting impact.

For Ms Ninyette, the concepts of strength, vision and legacy—this year's NAIDOC theme—aren't abstract. They are tangible, lived truths.

"Vision is more than just seeing ahead," she explained. "We honour our old ways while shaping the future. As a cultural practitioner, vision means holding space for truth-telling so my next generation of grandchildren grow up strong in identity and pride."

Through her work, Ms Ninyette reclaims stories that were once silenced, restores dignity where it was stripped away, and ensures that cultural protocols are more than performative; they are lived practices. In her professional and community roles, she supports government departments, land development agencies, and regional projects to better understand, engage with, and respect First Nations people and Country.

She is also a trusted facilitator and team builder. As seen in her work with Leading Teams and Crown Perth, Sharon weaves cultural safety into leadership and governance. Her influence in these spaces—traditionally dominated by Western models—represents a quiet, powerful form of resistance. She doesn't just take a seat at the table; she redefines the table altogether.

"My legacy is not about being remembered," Ms Ninyette said. "It's about who is stronger because I've walked before them, and will be echoed for generations."

This legacy is already visible in her grandchildren; "spirited, full of wisdom, and coming with fire." For them, Ms Ninyette holds space not just as a grandmother, but as a cultural torchbearer, committed to opening doors, walking beside them, and ensuring their voices are heard.

"I am driven by the mission of working with Department Managers and Traditional Owners for sustainable communities, prosperous industry, and resilient regions. I bring diverse perspectives and experiences as an Aboriginal woman and a business leader."

At the NAIDOC Forum, Ms Ninyette will join a cohort of national leaders committed to shaping the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. Her appearance is more than a speaking engagement; it is a homecoming of stories, a meeting of hearts, and a moment of deep reflection for all those who listen.

In her words: "Legacy is making sure the fire stays lit, not just for us but for all those yet to come."

She is building on the legacy of our Elders so that, in her words, "future generations will stand here in another 50 years, proud of who they are, proud of what we have achieved together."

And as we gather to celebrate NAIDOC Week, may we all walk with that same sense of purpose; carrying culture in our bones, kinship in our hearts, and pride in who we are.

National Indigenous Times is an official media partner of Perth's National NAIDOC Forum. Tickets can be purchased on Humantix.