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?
Communicator. Amateur cook. Passionate. Student. Workaholic. Dreamer. Punctual. People lover. Blogger.
My name is Summer May Finlay and I am a proud Yorta Yorta woman. I grew up on Lake Macquarie near Newcastle where I spent most of my time in the water. I am passionate about my community. I spend as much time on Lake Macquarie with my family because it brings me peace. I have two deadly brothers who I hang out with whenever I can, a fantastic mum who also works in community and a wonderfully supportive dad.
My work is my passion because community is my passion. I am currently working in Aboriginal policy for the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples. Before coming to Congress I worked in tobacco control for the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. I am also a big believer in education and went to university as a mature student. I have a bachelor in social science from Macquarie University and I am currently in the final semester of a master of public health at the University of Wollongong. I tutor through the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme with Wollongong and Sydney universities because I want to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people completing university.
What do you plan to talk about on @IndigenousX this week?
There will be a lot of tweets about health this week. I would also like to promote the good work of our mob, regardless of the field. Outside of health my passions are the arts and education. The arts are such an important way of expression, something our mob have used to communicate the rest of Australia and the word about who we are and how we see the world. I am passionate about education because without it we cannot compete on even footing.
What issue affecting Indigenous people do you think is most pressing?
I feel that one of the biggest issues we face is the lack of recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strengths. There is a deficit approach to all things Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. We have been through so much pain, destruction of our culture and loss since invasion and yet we are still here. Our culture is strong and while there are issues in many of our communities we are not the sum of our issues. We are much more.
Who are your role models, and why?
As cliche as it sounds, my mum is one of my role models. She has always given so much to community, both in a paid and unpaid capacity. She was my first role model on what it mean to be an Aboriginal woman. And at almost 60 she never stops.
Then there is Dr Bronwyn Fredericks pro vice-chancellor (Indigenous engagement) at Central Queensland University. Bron has mentored me since I have met her. She is a strong intelligent Aboriginal woman who has dedicated her life to community. She cares so much for the people around her and is someone who I will always have a lot of respect for.
And Jill Gallagher, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. Jill, like mum and Bron, is a strong Aboriginal woman who has worked in and for community. No matter who you are her door is always open. She is never backward about telling it like it is.
What are your hopes for the future?
That when I say "I am Aboriginal", the first thoughts people have aren't negative.
