In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2020, Firstdraft presents For You, a series of First Peoples-led TikTok commissions curated by Barkindji, Latjilatji, Birri Gubba and Wakka Wakka woman Emily Johnson.
For You
Curated by Emily Johnson
NAIDOC Week 2020: Always Was, Always Will Be
8–15 November
view on TikTok
Named after the ubiquitous “#ForYouPage” TikTok hashtag (the gateway to the “front page of TikTok”), For You features 8 First-Peoples creators – @andrewfyplopez (Andrew Lopez; Gamilaraay, Wiradjuri), @eishaanderson (Eisha Anderson; Kaurna), @nichrichie (Nicholas Richie; Darnley (Erub) & Sailor Family), @noonee2204 (Alicia Johnson; Barkindji, Latjilatji, Birri Gubba, Wakka Wakka), @official_balawolz (Wollie Gela; Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi, Darnley (Erub), Boigu, Kaurareg), @officially_underrated (Arthur Burns, Gurubana Gunghandji), @queenofgoon (Kirra Hampson; Woiwurrung), as well as @howdoidelete1 (Emily Johnson) – who have been invited to respond to this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: Always Was, Always Will Be.
I am a proud Barkindji, Latjilatji, Birri Gubba and Wakka Wakka woman. I grew up in Broken Hill (Far-Western NSW), moved to Sydney for high school, and eventually studied at the University of Sydney. I now continue to work and live on Gadigal country as an arts education and employment coordinator, and visual artist. I’m also an avid user and creator on Tiktok – I have been engaging with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators from all over Australia; who deliver hilariously witty, inspiring and entertaining videos every day!
Reflecting beyond entertainment, social media is a great tool and platform for our people to have their voices heard, their faces seen, and their ideas shared. Having a space to create First Peoples content is so important as we’re often marginalised and ignored by mainstream media sources or embedded within non-First Peoples-led content.
I have selected creators with a range of personalities, visions and expressions, who offer unique perspectives on Always Was, Always Will Be. Each day during NAIDOC Week and beyond, these creators challenge stereotypes – showcasing the diversity of our identities, our humour, and encouraging commentary on the nuance of being Blackfullas in Australia, both online and off.
– Emily Johnson