As a young Aboriginal woman, it's my responsibility to ensure that my country and my culture is there for future generations after me. It feels strange to say that because the truth is that I know very little about my culture. It wasn't passed down my family the way it was supposed to be, because through the Stolen Generations that connection was severed. I am fortunate that my family was able to reconnect with our Nyikina people. That's why I can call a number of very respected Aboriginal men Jubo (grandfather).

Today young Aboriginal people have to balance the pressure of knowing and understanding our culture and also getting a western education. They should never be mutually exclusive. I want the opportunity to learn about my culture, to sit with my jubo by the river and learn the stories, names and songs. To visit the places in those stories, to bring to life their context.

I want to listen to the sounds of the birds by the river, watch the eagles dive into the Marrduwarra for fish and hear the snap of a barramundi signal it's time to go fishing. I want to watch the sunset against the horizon in the middle of the wet season as the banks of our mighty river burst at the seams trying to contain its contents, whilst the jarrampa are being pushed through to the ocean.

Now that I've finished university and am working in the corporate world, I understand that it's more important than ever for our country to be left alone. The reason is because it's our classroom, for me, for my parents, for my grandparents and all future generations.

Two years ago I wrote something down on a piece of paper, to remind myself every day of my place in country; "My country is rich with resources, but my culture is richer".

Only Indigenous people have the authority to determine cultural significance, because only Indigenous people are the experts on our experiences. We need to stand up because unless traditional owners are at the centre of decision making, irreversible harm will occur to country and it will affect the knowledge that is passed to me and all subsequent generations.

I am sick of being talked about and not being talked too.

I am sick of being told that "young Aboriginal people need their passion for culture ignited", as though that passion wasn't there all along.

I am sick of being told "you don't understand" by non-Indigenous people who feel it their responsibility to educate me on how my culture works.

I am sick of being told "that's just how it's going to work" by government officials making decisions from Canberra without awareness or consultation with the people those decision affect.

It's time for the government to stop doing things to us and start doing things with us.