My Voice My Journey, now in its third year, is a program that has been developed for First Nations youth.
Based on Yuin Country in Eurobodalla on the south coast, the program takes emerging First Nations leaders on journeys that connect them with Country, Elders and culture.
Todman Chatfield, a proud Wiradjuri man, is the founder and program manager.
He wanted to start the organisation so that young people were better equipped to take control of their own futures.
“One thing that occurred to me straight away is that when we talk about young people, we generally don’t have young people sitting around the table.
"We need to change that. It’s about them, they should be included in the conversation because it’s their futures we are talking about,” he said.
The students have the opportunity to co-design their itinerary with the guidance of Tod and the team, helping map the locations they visit, the cultural activities they participate in, as well as the cultural knowledge holders and Elders that are engaged in each community.
A big part of the program is connecting the students with culture, positive role models and creating a safe space for them by participating in yarning circles and group reflections.
This year, students decided to spend time with with the iconic Uncle Roger Knox, a legend in the country music scene.
Uncle Roger has been a supporter and advocate for the program for the past few years.
Led by Uncle Roger Knox, the students embarked on a ten-hour journey from the Bega Valley to Tamworth on Gomeroi Country where they had the opportunity to learn about the history, after a smoking ceremony cleansing.
As part of their trip, the students were also taken to Myall Creek, the infamous site where at least .
This is now known as the Myall Creek Massacre.
Fifteen-year-old Shakaya Aldridge, a student from Eden, found a strong spiritual connection on the group's recent trip to Tamworth.
The students in the program have the opportunity to co-design their itinerary Credit: Michael Lawrence-Taylor
“I am grateful for the opportunity. It’s made me feel really good because I feel more connected to this country," Shakaya said.
"It’s part of who I am, and I got to learn more knowledge about my family’s history."
Through the program, Shakaya has been able to make new friendships with mob her age.
“When I first started, I was nervous to come but I have made connections and friendships and we all feel more comfortable with each other.
"It’s been good to get out of my comfort zone and now I have made lifelong friends that I will be able to connect with for the rest of my life, because of this program," she said.
The program has continued to thrive and grow over three years, with sixty students so far completing the ten-week program, primarily from the Eurobodalla.
Molly-Mae Reynolds is a My Voice My Journey mentor and previous participant. She says she wouldn't be where she is now without the program.
“It was a great experience, it helped me figure out where I want to be in life, what I want to do and how I want to do it.
"I really want to guide the younger students to have the same opportunities and experience the things I’ve experienced," she said.
The program connects the students with positive role models. Credit: Michael Lawrence-Taylor
“Growing up in a small community on the South Coast with limited opportunities and support networks, having a program such as this is now giving our youth the opportunities to learn and empower themselves with rich Aboriginal culture throughout different Nations.
"As a mentor, I am passionate about supporting youth on their journey... I'm also learning more cultural knowledge too that I now can pass down and share to my family and community," Mr Brierley said.
Todd hopes the program will continue into the future, and other young people can experience what past participants have.
“It’s important we invest in our young people, the more we can support our young people the future looks brighter for all. Our young people are our future leaders, let’s start including their voices now and valuing their opinion," he said.
