Among the many Indigenous leaders set to speak at the NAIDOC National Forum in Boorloo/Perth on Whadjuk Noongar Country on July 4 is Bernice Hookey.

In a world where systems often fail our mob, Ms Hookey is building her own; one grounded in truth, healing, and love. A proud Waanyi and Muruwarri woman, Ms Hookey is the founder of MZB Empowerment, a platform she created not for power or praise, but from the deep desire to make things better for the next generation.

This year's NAIDOC theme — The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy — lives in everything Bernice does. Her work isn't performative. It's deeply personal. She's walked through grief, intergenerational trauma, and injustice; and turned those experiences into fuel for change.

"I pay tribute to honour my Ancestors before me — the spirit of this land — to grow, lead with integrity, and rise strong in truth and storytelling," she shares.

Through MZB Empowerment, she creates spaces of safety, where cultural mentorship — whether as a big sister, aunty or cousin — uplifts and guides emerging leaders to lean into their identity and purpose. For Bernice, leadership means leaning into the wisdom of Elders, the energy of our youth, and walking forward together with justice, connection, and collective care.

MZB Empowerment delivers cultural capability training, leadership development, and organisational change strategies that go far beyond ticking a box.

"Racism is real and raw, it must be dealt with. We can't sugar-coat the problem. Systemic change requires truth-telling, grit, and deep listening," she said.

At the heart of her work lies a powerful message: "Our cultural identity and ancestral wisdom are our foundations. When we honour that, we equip our people to lead with pride, collective care, and a commitment to justice."

Her own story is a living example.

"I've come through extreme grief, depression, and suicidal ideation. That pain shaped the heart of MZB Empowerment," Ms Hookey said.

What she offers isn't theory; it's truth. It's healing. It's culturally grounded leadership that walks beside people, not in front of them.

As Lead Facilitator for Yanalangami: Strong Women, Strong Communities, Bernice supports First Nations women to reclaim their voice and remember their strength. She doesn't lead from above; she sits in circle, listens, and reminds us that softness is a form of strength, too.

And now, through the founding of Rylee's Social Justice Inc., Bernice continues to lead with courage and love.

Born from grief. Guided by spirit. Grounded in love.

This is not just an organisation. It is a living, breathing truth; one that reflects the journey she's walked, the pain she's survived, the healing that continues, and the fire she carries to guide her son home.

Rylee's Social Justice Inc. is for every mother, every family, who has ever felt the ache of separation, the silence of stigma, and the weight of the justice system. It exists to speak truth, to stand in dignity, and to walk alongside those navigating the hardest of roads; with compassion, with strength, and with deep cultural care.

Looking ahead, Ms Hookey's vision is bold and unapologetically Blak: "Our goal is to strengthen this platform, to uplift youth, women, men, and families across generations. Leadership should be seen in all sectors, visible, healing, and fearless."

As we mark NAIDOC Week 2025, it's women like Bernice Hookey we should be lifting up. She carries the vision of our Elders and the hopes of our young ones. She doesn't just talk about legacy; she lives it. Every day.

And through MZB Empowerment and Rylee's Social Justice Inc., she is making sure others do too.

You can hear Bernice speak on "We Grow Through What We Go Through" at the upcoming 2025 National NAIDOC Forum in Boorloo/Perth.

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