Before her paintings were celebrated in galleries around the world, Aunty Regina Pilawuk Wilson was learning the stories, stitches and traditions that generations of Marrithyel women had entrusted to her.

Today, that same knowledge has earned her one of Darwin's highest NAIDOC honours, with the respected cultural custodian named the 2026 Darwin NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year.

A proud Ngan'gikurrungurr woman of the Marrithyel people from Wudikapildyerr in the Daly River region of the Northern Territory, Aunty Regina has dedicated her life to ensuring the knowledge passed down by her old people continues to live through future generations.

As a cultural leader, artist, teacher and mentor, she has spent decades strengthening language, preserving traditional practices and keeping culture alive within her community.

Receiving the award during this year's NAIDOC celebrations, Aunty Regina said the recognition was both humbling and a reflection of the responsibility she continues to carry.

"I am so honoured to be named the 2026 Darwin NAIDOC Female of the Year. It means a lot to be recognised for my hard work," she said. "I continue to work hard even at my age to keep culture strong and alive."

From an early age, Aunty Regina was taught by her mother the traditional skills that would shape her life, including pandanus weaving, basket making and fishing net making. These were more than practical skills. They carried stories, identity and an enduring connection to Country.

After moving to Peppimenarti with her husband and raising their family, she became a central figure in strengthening community through culture. Following her husband's passing, she began painting, drawing inspiration from the intricate techniques of traditional weaving. Her distinctive style transformed woven patterns into contemporary artworks while remaining deeply connected to the knowledge of her ancestors.

Her artworks and weavings are now held in major collections across Australia and overseas, including the Australian Embassy in Washington DC.

Despite international recognition, Aunty Regina has remained firmly grounded in community, continuing to teach, mentor and ensure culture stays strong where it matters most.

She also played a key role in establishing Durrmu Arts, where she continues to mentor emerging artists while passing on language, cultural knowledge and traditional practices to younger generations.

Reflecting on the people who shaped her own journey, Aunty Regina credits the women who came before her.

"My mother and my sister and all my ancestors," she said. "My mother taught me to weave, to pass the stitch on and my sister told me to put it on the canvas. That is now how I teach the younger generation."

Those teachings continue to guide everything she does.

Whether through weaving, painting or storytelling, Aunty Regina's work has always centred on ensuring what was entrusted to her is never lost. Every lesson shared strengthens identity and helps the next generation remain connected to culture and Country.

She hopes receiving the Darwin NAIDOC Female Elder Award encourages young Aboriginal people to embrace their cultural responsibilities with pride.

"I hope they are inspired to keep culture alive because it is our way of life," she said. "Our culture keeps us grounded, and without it you are lost."

That commitment begins with her own family.

"My family, I want them to have what I was given by my old people, their ancestors," Aunty Regina said.

Looking to the future, Aunty Regina says her grandchildren give her confidence that the stories, language and knowledge of her people will continue.

"My grandchildren give me hope that the culture, language and stories will live because they take in the stories I share," she said.

"My grandkids follow and work with me to learn. I want my legacy to keep being taught so that the knowledge and stories of the land don't fade away."

Her words reflect the enduring role Aboriginal Elders continue to play as teachers, knowledge holders and cultural custodians. They are a reminder that culture survives because each generation accepts the responsibility of passing it on to the next.

Aunty Regina's recognition came during NAIDOC's 50 Years of Deadly, a milestone celebrating five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement while honouring the generations of Elders whose leadership has carried culture through every challenge.

The Darwin NAIDOC Female Elder Award recognises far more than artistic excellence. It honours a woman whose life's work has strengthened her community, protected cultural knowledge and inspired generations to walk proudly in the footsteps of their ancestors.

For Aunty Regina Pilawuk Wilson, the greatest achievement is not the award itself. It is knowing that the stories, language and traditions passed to her by her old people will continue to be carried by those who follow.