Marlia Miyalan Fatnowna - NAIDOC 2018

Article | Updated 6 years ago

Marlia Miyalan Fatnowna Engagement Officer

I was born in 1992. It was an interesting time in Australian politics. As I have grown older, I quickly realized that as Aboriginal women, we are politicized by society from birth in our bodies, our minds, expressions of our identity and our place in the world. I’ve often struggled with mainstream feminism, feeling like I didn’t fit into their discourse about equal rights. This year during NAIDOC, I think of all the tenacious, determined women in my life that struggled so I could be free. Those who protested for our rights, to make sure we had a better life. I chose this sign, to celebrate the unwavering strength of Aboriginal people in our protection of what we know is important and significant.

In the late 80s and early 90s, Aboriginal peoples from Perth alongside their supporters fought for many years to protect a sacred site where the old Swan Brewery now stands on the shore of the Derbarl Yerrigan. My family was living in Perth at the time; we were off Country people living in a new city. My dad always talks about the importance of acknowledging when we are off Country and how to respect those whose Country we are living on. To stand in solidarity with Whadjuk Noongar peoples, we made sure to rally and support them, understanding the incredible significance of destroying this sacred site. I would have only been a baby at the time, one of my first experiences of protest. The first of what would become many in my life. Despite the building going ahead, the daily vigil that lasted years was still an incredible feat. I still like to walk down to the sight and sit on the park bench painted red, black and yellow - and think about the sacrifices that have been made. 

It feels like time is rapidly moving, though I still feel that pang in my chest - that reminder of sentiments from racisms past that linger in my day to day life. Protest materials like this sign remind me why we fight, why all the pain is worth it. Because so many before me fought like this so I could be anything I wanted to be.

I was lucky enough to grow up with a family who strongly encouraged standing strong for what I believe in. I was surrounded by resilient women, both my mum and extended family, and those who soon became the family we chose. Because of these amazing women I know that one day - just like I have done - my kids can look up to the Nans, mums, aunties and mentors in their lives and say because of her, we can.

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