With the recent unveiling of the Queensland Reconciliation Awards nominations, National Indigenous Times spoke with ambassador Jimi Bani about the significance of the awards and why they hold a special meaning for him.
The Wadagadum man from Mabuiag Island is committed to fostering positive change in Indigenous communities through his role.
"The big thing about reconciliation is we always talk about closing the gap and all of that and how we can do it," he said.
"From my perspective, what I bring and what I can contribute is really focusing on, empowering our language and how we can use those platforms.
"And the Reconciliation Awards, I had the privilege of winning an award a couple of years ago with Queensland Theatre."
Renowned for his roles in TV series like "The Straits" and "Mabo," he brings a unique dedication to authentic representation, notably portraying Torres Strait Island culture.
His collaborative effort with his father resulted in the play My Name Is Jimi, which shares a four-generation story from the Wagadagam tribe, contributing to genuine cultural representation.
"Like the work I've done, there's a uniqueness to your story and the only person to tell it is you," he said.
"They often put these rules for us to adjust story lines (to target broader audiences), but when it comes from a true place, it's really hard to adjust to a specific audience.
"So being an ambassador for the reconciliation awards is about really bringing awareness to the power of that."
Mr Bani notes a net positive of the awards is that mob are constantly seeking recognition for their work to appease funding bodies and the "bureaucratic mobs" who often don't understand the messages conveyed.
He is steadfast in his vision that this must change moving forward so that Indigenous communities can take command of their works.
Mr Bani joins fellow ambassadors Gungarri man and rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston and Kalkadoon woman and contemporary Aboriginal artist, Chern'ee Sutton.
More information can be found at the QLD Reconciliation Awards website.
