Emma Garlett: Why the racist trolls will never silence me

If I think back to my childhood I realise how much I was shaped by what I was taught, what I saw, and what I read. I remember as teenager reading the paper every day, seeing the stories about our people but not by our people. I recognised the reach and exposure the stories had across WA and Australia. Most people pick up the paper every day and read the news. I thought that if I had the ability to write stories that people read I would be able to influence people to work towards equity and justice for First Nations people. And 10 years later, here I am, writing opinion pieces for The West Australian. I see myself as the conduit to communicate the aspirations, issues, and news from our First Nations people and communities to the mainstream Australian audience. Young Indigenous people like myself have a role to play in reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are considered in all industries. Writing weekly columns for The West Australian has resulted in a whirlwind of opportunities to advocate for and raise awareness of First Nations stories in Indigenous affairs in mainstream media. Everyone always asks me how old I am and if I am scared about the backlash I will get from writing stories. The answer to those questions is I am 28 years old (which is not too young but also not too old). And I see writing through the lens that if I don’t speak up no one will listen. So, we need to speak up and have a voice for people to people to hear us and to act. My Elders, my family, and my community have worked extremely hard to build relationships and create opportunities for us young people to be able to continue the path they have paved. So, for me to stop at the thought of a few people being disgruntled at an opinion piece is not an option for me. In terms of my career, I used to work as a lawyer; I have taught and still teach law to university students; and I have worked in industry. And I guess that legal training helped toughen me up! But what I am most proud of is giving a voice to our people and what I aim to do with my columns is bridge the gap between the 3 per cent of Australians who are First Nations people and the other 97 per cent. I am so proud because I have seen the hearts and minds of many non-Indigenous people become open to receive, learn, and embrace the coming together of our two worlds. For me, it is my responsibility to give attention to stories and help influence people to realise the value and opportunity in front of them by working together and coming on the journey of reconciliation. This also includes shedding light on systemic racism and issues we currently face. I am excited to announce that in partnership with Seven West Media and Google, we have re-launched YouTube channel Paint it Blak. Subscribe to Paint it Blak to stay up to date with me as I share an Indigenous perspective on breaking news stories and topical issues which affect Indigenous people. So far on Paint it Blak we have covered topics including ethical investment giving consideration to First Nations interests, the need for the Federal Budget to focus on Indigenous peoples, and we looked at the rallies held in Australia to commemorate the life of Cassius Turvey. This is a pivotal time for First Nations people and Australia. We have government support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and we will be holding a referendum on a Voice to Parliament. These decisions are integral to Australian progress which is why it is important to hear Indigenous perspectives in mainstream media. Mainstream media needs Indigenous voices. The West Australian and Seven West Media is to be commended for creating space and putting importance on the value of ensuring Indigenous voices are spotlighted and heard in Australia. Emma Garlett is a Nyiyaparli-Yamatji-Nyungar woman from Geraldton and the host of Paint it Blak.