My name is Tylissa Elisara, and I descend from the Kaurna, Narungga, and Adnyamathanha people of South Australia.

I acknowledge my elders both past and present, including those who have granted me their permission to advise the following articles. The knowledge base that I drew upon for this role comes from both my personal and professional experiences as a social worker, writer, black & write! Fellow, and as an Aboriginal person with family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who continue to bless my life with their wisdom. In no way do I claim to speak on behalf of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, though I have done my best to ensure that the information shared in this issue provides a counter narrative to the existing literature, which has either negatively depicted or excluded us completely.

To conclude, I would also like to thank and honor the ancestors. For without their sheer resilience and bravery, I would not have the privilege, nor platform, to help share these powerful stories with the world today.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that several articles contain names and images of deceased persons. Some material in this issue may contain words and terms that reflect the terms of the period in which they were created, but may not be considered appropriate today.

We acknowledge that many First Nations people do not agree with the broader terms, “Indigenous” and “Aboriginal,” as these are not names they chose for themselves. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may choose to identify with their specific nation, community, or island name. They might also go by broader terms according to the state or territory they originate from, for example, “Murris” from Queensland and “Kooris” from southern New South Wales and Victoria. Where possible, we have included people’s specific nation or community.