Each week, a new guest hosts the @IndigenousX twitter account. We're inviting them to tell us about who they are
Each week, a new guest hosts the @IndigenousX twitter account to discuss topics of interest as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. In partnership with IndigenousX, we're inviting its weekly host to tell us about who they are, what issues they're passionate about, and what they have in store for us during their upcoming week.
Tell us about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, what do you do?
My name is Sean Choolburra, I'm originally from Townsville, QLD but I have been living in Sydney, NSW for the past 23 years. I'm an Indigenous comedian and entertainer.
What do you plan to talk about on @IndigenousX this week?
I plan on talking about the incarceration of Indigenous people, especially the high percentage of Indigenous men in jail. I will also obviously be making heaps of jokes because I like to try and make people smile throughout their day. I also plan on talking about things that I have found funny or interesting, and the things I will be doing throughout my day.
What issue affecting Indigenous people do you think is most pressing?
As I said, the high percentage of Indigenous incarcerations is quite a big issue. For the past couple of weeks, like this time every year, I have been traveling around a majority of the jails in NSW and like every year I can't help but notice the amount of Indigenous people – especially males – that have been incarcerated. On this issue I'd also like to explore, via @IndigenousX, other people's opinions on how this could change and how we, as Aboriginal people, can help in the change of our brothers and sisters.
Who are your role models, and why?
In regards to my profession, my role model has to be Eddie Murphy because I've always admired his ability to laugh at the things in life that most people would take seriously. And within my family, my uncle Jack, who lived in the bush and had a wealth of knowledge is definitely my biggest role model. He taught me a lot about my culture, songs and dances. I hope to be like him and teach younger generations a lot about Aboriginal cultures
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to take my comedy to America and hopefully have a comedy TV show. For Indigenous people as a whole, I hope that the Intervention will become a thing of the past and that we can have our own embassy in Canberra ...