This episode is sponsored by Bumble, a dating app that is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for its community of over 95 million users.

Bumble has partnered with experts at a range of LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisations to provide a space where people from across the gender platform feel safe and seen.

With guidance from the community Bumble has created an extensive list of gender options for both new and existing users to choose from. When setting up their profile users can select a binary choice or tap "more options" to expand the list - and your choice can be updated at any time. Users can also choose if they'd like to show their gender identity to potential matches, which appears alongside profile badges.

On Bumble, how you identify is up to you. Download Bumble today and make the first move. One app, three modes, one mission.

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Growing up different is tough no matter who you are or where you’re from.

Each of us journeys through some type of identity discovery, whether it be because of our culture, ethnicity, how we look or what our sexuality is.

As a heteronormative, cis gendered person myself, the pressure and obstacles I faced in my adolescence around justifying my Aboriginal identity everyday was exhausting enough, I couldn’t even imagine the extra layers of difficulty that come with that, for mob who are queer too.

Courtney Hagen and Matika Little are black, gay and proud.

These incredible women, who connected online through their common experiences of being Aboriginal and identifying as lesbian, have built an incredibly vital platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

‘Coming Out Blak’ is their podcast which they use to share their own experiences, discuss the issues that matter the most to them and provide a safe space for other people who are struggling with their sexual identity.

Intersectionality and the representation of diverse voices within the black community is so incredibly important - and a broader, more accurate picture of who we are as one mob, is also beautiful.

There’s no one way to be black and our differences make us stronger together.

I’m so excited to share this chat with you today with Courtney and Matika. They’re such kind and passionate tiddas who have a lot to share and a lot we can all learn from.

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Thank you so much Courtney and Matika for making the time to yarn with me today! Make sure you check out their podcast ‘Coming Out Blak’ wherever you get your pods or follow them on instagram @comingoutblak.

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Thank you also to Bumble for sponsoring today’s episode and celebrating and elevating the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models.

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted and Edited by Marlee Silva and now produced with help of Keely Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

In interviews and general conversation, people often ask me who my role models are or who I look up to and while I struggle sometimes with answering that, because I’m lucky enough to find inspiration in so many moments with different individuals every day - there is one particular person whose story and strength is at the back of my mind as a constant source of inspiration and hope.

It might be surprising to some, but one of my biggest role models is actually one of my younger cousins. Having grown up in the care of his grandparents, facing trauma caused by a Mum and Dad who were constantly in and out of jail and around drugs - and a range of other obstacles and tough times, the ways in which he has emerged as not only incredibly successful, but also equally kind, generous and committed to giving back, never ceases to amaze me.

Proud Gamilaroi man, Braidon Burns' name is one you probably associate mostly with the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs, and while he is a great rugby league player, it’s the way he holds himself - and how it understands his position as a leader for the next generation - off the field that I wanted to showcase in today’s chat.

We talk about his start in life, the realisations he’s had in the ways his childhood trauma has effected him today and his commitment to breaking the cycle, especially for his little brother Dray, who he now has in his care.

Put simply, this conversation is one you absolutely need to hear and I'm honoured to be bringing it to you.

Massive thanks to Braidon on making the time and wishing you the speediest recovery with your recent on-field knee injury.

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted and Edited by Marlee Silva and now produced with help of Keely Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

In lieu of a sponsor this week, we have donated both the space and money associated to Cultural Choice Association to support their work in preventing Aboriginal youth suicide.

This is an issue we’ve spoken about before on the podcast and is one I’ll personally always make space to talk about, as it’s one of the issues I am most passionate about.

Unsurprisingly, this conversation also comes with a content warning as there are discussions of suicide and depression.

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In 2017, the latest published statistics revealed suicide as the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people between 5 and 17 years old.

And over the past five years, despite the fact that we only make up 2.8% of the youth population, one in every four Australian children who died by suicide was Indigenous.

Prior to invasion, suicide was not a concept known nor seen in our communities, and a senate enquiry into this epidemic facing our young people today has revealed it is directly correlated to the intergenerational trauma, disconnect from culture and related disadvantage caused by colonisation.

Each of these numbers represents a child. A name. An empty seat at the dinner table. A life full of opportunity, never to be fully realised.

This issue is one of the hardest to discuss, because often, the deeper you go, the more questions you have rather than are answered.

But it has to be talked about, and thankfully, like my guest on today’s episode, there are incredible people out there committed to making a difference.

Connor Watson, proud Gamilaroi man and Newcastle Knights player, was set on a few things from a young age - he was going to play in the NRL and no matter what, he was going to find a way to give back to our mob when he got there.

Connor, alongside his amazing mum Jodie, dad Mark and younger brother Fletcher, have turned family tragedy into passion and hard work driven toward Aboriginal youth suicide prevention through their non-profit, Cultural Choice Association.

I’m privileged to have seen the work the association does on the ground and the impact it has on our young ones, so I couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing you Connor’s story and a glimpse into that work in today’s chat. 

Throughout this discussion please remember, it is ok not to feel ok, but it isn’t ok not do do something about it, if you need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Thank you so much Connor for taking the time out to jump on and share your story today. If you want to support Cultural Choice Association please check out their Instagram, Facebook and website and consider donating whatever you can to their GoFundMe: https://gf.me/u/yf7p94

You can also help by sharing this episode and their page on your own socials or with friends/family too!

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted and Edited by Marlee Silva and now produced with help of Keely Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton 

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

On today’s episode I yarn with the dynamic duo behind one of the most recognisable Aboriginal owned and run clothing brands in the country - Clothing the Gap. Laura Thompson and Sianna Catullo are boss tiddas with incredible business minds and an attitude that sees them always striving to be better and do more. Leading a small but dynamic and passionate team, they’ve grown their business from products designed to work as health incentives attached to the Spark Health Promotion Business down in Victoria, to a now stand alone brand producing deadly apparel for all people, across the continent.

Not only does the Clothing the Gap apparel look insanely cool, but it also works as a conversation starter around such campaigns as  #Freetheflag, Shades of Deadly and their newest initiatives #RunRona and the NAIDOC March virtual running events. I learnt so much in this chat and have been so influenced by the work this mob does, they’ve even turned me into a runner - something I’d never thought I’d be. This was recorded just before #RunRona, where I ran 10kms for the first time in my life and you’ll hear me be reluctant when the girls talk about convincing me to do the same for their NAIDOC event - but I ended up doing that too. Laura and Sianna are incredible and I hope leave you feeling as inspired as I was.

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Thank you so much Sianna and Laura for all the incredible work you do with your team and for making the time!

Go and support @clothingthegap on Instagram and check out their products on their website: https://clothingthegap.com.au/

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted, Produced and Edited by Marlee Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years. 

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories 

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

DISCLAIMER: Today's guest is medical professional but not an expert in infection control or an infectious diseases expert, so if anyone wants any further information regarding the COVID19 pandemic they should go to the local state govt webpage on COVID-19 advice or call their local COVID-19 hotline.

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From Gomeroi, Ngurrabul and Kooma, to Quintuplet and Medical Doctor - my guest on today’s special bonus episode of Always was, always will be our stories, Dr. Erika Chapman-Burgess, has some incredible and unique labels attached to her name.

When my sister Keely and I started Tiddas 4 Tiddas in 2018, we had the hopes of putting incredible female role models in the view of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women - and when we imagined what those role models were like, women like Erika were exactly what fit.

In today’s chat you’ll hear her speak about her journey into medicine, advice for the next generation looking at the same career, what it’s like growing up in the only family with Aboriginal Quintuplets in the country and very importantly, some tips and things to think about regarding COVID19!

Ambitious, hard working and incredibly proud of who she is and where she’s come from, although I’ll never work in medicine, I feel myself looking up to Erika in so many ways. To think only a couple of decades ago, the concept of a blackfulla doctor might’ve seemed out of reach is scary - but it also emphasises the importance of what mob like Erika are doing, and as we know, having our health managed in our hands, is a powerful key to a brighter and prosperous future.

Stay safe out there you mob, look after each other and now, enjoy the show.

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Thank you so much to Dr. Chapman Burgess for sitting down and sharing your wisdom today! You’re an inspiration to so many and we can’t wait to watch more follow in your footsteps!

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This episode of Always was, Always will be our stories is proudly supported by 'Your Health, Your Future' a campaign developed by the NSW AH&MRC. Did you know that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are entitled to receive a free comprehensive health check each year?  Regular visits to the doctor to access support and prevent or better manage chronic conditions are vital for us to maintain well and prosperous lives. Speak with your local Aboriginal Medical Service today to ask for a ‘Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (715)’ and build yourselves and your mob a brighter and healthier future.

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted, Produced and Edited by Marlee Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

TW: There are discussions of suicidal thoughts and mental health throughout this discussion that may be triggering for some.

It is no secret that mental health and particularly depression and suicide disproportionately impacts our mob more than any other Australian group.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are nearly three times more likely to be psychologically distressed than non-Indigenous Australians and most devastatingly, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for our young ones.

The question on how to solve this is difficult to answer, but having upfront, difficult conversations around it and being able to listen to and learn from role models with lived experience, is one place to start.

Today my guest is powerful Wiradjuri man, Joe Williams. He’s an author, the founder of The Enemy Within, a Dad and a survivor.

He so generously and openly shares his story of a lifelong battle with himself and his own mind and has taken his own trauma and life lessons as an opportunity to grow, share and be able to help others who have faced similar feelings and hurdles.

I’ve long admired Joe’s voice and strength and I’m so thrilled to share his story with you today.

If you are experiencing dark thoughts or struggling with your mental health, please reach out, connect with your local AMS or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Thank you Joe for your unwavering strength and commitment to helping people through mental ill health with your story. If you want to learn more about Joe or the work he does, you can follow him on instagram or twitter, follow The Enemy Within on socials too OR grab a copy of his novel, ‘Defying the enemy within’.

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted, Produced and Edited by Marlee Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

Cissy Gore-Birch, is a mother of 5, the Executive Manager of Aboriginal Engagement for Bush Heritage Australia and such a positive, loving and passionate leader in her community who is forever fighting for the respect and protection of land, the importance of connection to culture and particularly, involving the voices of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, in the conversations around solutions to issues that impact us today.

This conversation provides some vital education around the role grassroots Aboriginal groups like rangers, play in land conservation and protection; listening to Aboriginal expertise as we head towards another potentially devastating fire season; what its really like for communities up in the Kimberley’s and what has resonated with me the most - even listening back to it again as I edited it for you this week - is the way listening to Cissy ended up feeling like something of a much needed pep talk.

Later in the episode you’ll hear her talk about how we young blackfullas have to remember we’re beautiful and remind ourselves each day how deadly we are and the power we have to lead and make change. She reminds us that we need to support each other - not compete with or tear each other down - but rather, spread love and lift each other up to make it through and see positive change together.

I am so grateful to have been able to connect with and learn from Cissy - it’s voices like hers that exemplify the power we hold in us as a people and I know she will inspire and leave a smile on the face of every single person who hears her.

I will also mention this was recorded early on in isolation so when we talk about mining and the role it plays in communities, it was before the recent atrocity Rio Tinto conducted in destroying the 40,000 year old Juukan Caves of the Pilbara Region.

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Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories. A particularly big thanks to Cissy Gore-Birch for all the incredible work you do, your leadership and inspiration. Thank you also to Bush Heritage Australia for connecting me to Cissy and making our record possible.

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This podcast is sponsored by RØDE Microphones, the Australian pro audio powerhouse making incredible gear for podcasters, vloggers, filmmakers, musicians and audio engineers. This podcast was actually recorded before I got my hands on the amazing RØDECaster Pro, the incredible all-in-one podcasting console from RØDE - but now I’ve got the goods, you all need to get ready for how deadly and pro I’m going to sound in the coming weeks!

Thanks to RODE for supporting the raising of blackfulla voices, you can check their gear out here or @rodemic on Instagram!

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted, Produced and Edited by Marlee Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

Follow us on Instagram @alwaysourstories

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

In this very special episode of Always Was, Always Will be our stories, I sit down with Gomeroi and Muruwari filmmaker and journalist, Allan Clarke to discuss his new project, 'The Bowraville Murders.'

This documentary investigates one of Australia’s worst unsolved murder cases that has been marred by systemic racism – the 1990-91 serial killings of three Aboriginal children, Evelyn, Colleen and Clinton. They were all taken from the same street in the rural town of Bowraville NSW, all killed within five months of each other and all of their remains found off the same dirt track.

For 30 years, the victims' families have fought a courageous battle for justice that is now being passed to the next generation.

In recent weeks, with the surge of the black lives matter movement and discussions of injustice faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our country today, many have come looking for ways to truly make a difference - as you will hear Allan say, truth telling about cases such as these is a vital first step. Which can also followed by financially supporting projects such as this.

The documentary team require a further $20k to make this production a reality, that will be broadcast on SBS in 2021, so if you are moved and haunted by this story, as we are, we ask that you donate any amount you can to the Bowraville Murders documentary crowdfunding campaign here: https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/the-bowraville-murders/

Thank you to Allan and the whole team behind the Bowraville Murders Documentary, for your dedication to truth telling and justice.

Our deepest condolences are with the families of these victims and we are hopeful that this will bring some peace and sense of justice.

To watch the trailer and read more, head to @bowravilledoco on social media.

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted, Produced and Edited by Marlee Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

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If I asked you to imagine a $50 Australian note in your hands, what would you see? Firstly, you'd probably describe its yellow colour, then perhaps, the face of a white-haired, smirking man.

Do you know this man's name? Do you notice the sketches of his inventions in the background of his image?

He is David Unaipon, a proud Ngarrindjeri  man from South Australia and one of our greatest ever inventors and scientists. He has often been referred to as our answer to Leonardo Da Vinci, and made significant contributions to science throughout his life, including even conceptualising the helicopter two decades before it became a reality.

Science and scientists have existed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture for thousands of generations. Our innovation is what helped us survive to become the oldest, continuous culture on Earth today.

My guest on today’s podcast is dedicated to showing the next generation of our kids that a future in the STEM field is not only achievable, but in their blood.

Deadly Science, is the incredible brain child of Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt. It’s something that began simply because he saw a lack of science resources particularly in our remote communities and knew he had the power to change that.

I’m so grateful to be able to capture Corey’s passion and story today and I’m confident after you hear it, you’ll be hungry to help him on his mission.

Make sure you stick around until the end of the ep too for a special announcement…

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If you want to support Deadly Science make sure you check them out on Instagram or Facebook!

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If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with your friends and family! Read more about the show and find out who next week's episode will feature by visiting our Instagram: @alwaysourstories

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Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories is Written, Hosted, Produced and Edited by Marlee Silva, on the unceded lands of the Dharrawal people. We pay our deepest respects to those people and their Elders past and present, whose connection to this place has remained unbroken for over 60 thousand years.

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Theme Music: 'Run' by Tristan Barton

Podcast Artwork: @wuruhi.auaha

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