Marani Greatorex - NAIDOC 2018Article | Updated 6 years ago Caption: Marani Greatorex. Credit: WA Museum Marani Greatorex WA Museum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cadet Aboriginal woman of Australian shores From Mother Earth you can’t ignore Her dignity and her pride As she walks with every stride Christine Simpson’s poem “My Kind Women” expresses the feminine identity as a central element of Aboriginal identity and culture. As a young Aboriginal woman, I truly appreciate the empowerment of both female identity and cultural identity. This year’s NAIDOC theme, Because of Her, We Can is a wonderful way to recognise the significant roles Aboriginal women have played and continue to play throughout our lives. I was born in Broome, in the Kimberley’s, and moved to Perth when I was 8 years old. I am a descendant of the Jabirr Jabirr people at James Price Point and the Nyikina people at Fitzroy River. Having moved away from my birthplace, I continue to hold strong connections to my country and culture, and grasp any opportunity to learn about my heritage. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work closely with Aboriginal people, knowledge and heritage and be able to share it. I chose this beautifully intricate necklace from Fitzroy Crossing because for me it represents the significant roles of Aboriginal women, not only from my people in Fitzroy River, but from all Aboriginal women around Australia. It symbolises the beauty Aboriginal women hold and can create, and the artistic skills they continue to pass down to generations that hold our culture alive. I am proud to be both a woman and an Aboriginal person, and would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my mum, and all the strong women I'm surrounded by. Because of her, I can. View their stories Deanne Debra Marlia Marani - Now viewing Michelle