My name is Jaxon, and I am an 11-year-old Djiru boy. My father’s people originate from the Mission Beach region in Far North Queensland. I am in year seven at a public school in Brisbane/Meanjin on the lands of the Turrbal people who are the traditional owners of Brisbane (the city that I live in).

I do not know much about my Aboriginal history. I have read that not many of my ancestors survived colonization. Most of our native language, knowledge, and traditions have been lost over time. ​​But the world should know that our ancestors fought for us and that there are still many tribes and First Nations cultures active today.

For me, being a First Nations person today means standing out in crowds because my skin is darker than most people’s. This can be both good and bad. It can be bad because it can feel lonely from time to time, but it can also be good because I like being unique, and I am proud of my culture. I am proud of my family and my ancestors who fought for me to be here.

I am also proud of being First Nations because it makes me feel unique in some way. But not all First Nations people have dark skin or live in the outback. We come in different shades and live all over the continent, including major cities.

First Nations people honor the same holidays as everyone else in Australia. We celebrate NAIDOC week to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We don’t celebrate Australia Day (on the 26th of January) because that’s the day Australia was invaded.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines And Islanders Day Observance Committee and lasts from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.

I am just like other kids my age. I like gaming, swimming in the ocean and creeks, and reading books like comics, The Mortal Instruments, and the Harry Potter series. And when I grow up, I want to be a game designer or an author.

At the end of the day, I am proud of who I am and
proud of my ancestors and family.