Aboriginal women: stories, strength and continuity presented by Melissa Mills
This NAIDOC Week conversation with Melissa Mills explores the strength, wisdom and continuity of Aboriginal women across generations. Melissa, a Ghungulu, Garingbal and Bidjara woman, shares insights from her work as a photographer, storyteller and emerging researcher, reflecting on the cultural knowledge passed through family lines despite the disruptions of colonisation and the Stolen Generations. Through stories of her grandmother, kinship structures, songlines and connection to Country, Melissa highlights the central role of women as nurturers, knowledge holders and leaders within Aboriginal communities. The discussion also explores Indigenous ways of knowing, including the philosophy of “listening with your eyes,” collective leadership, and the importance of observation, respect and deep listening. Melissa’s reflections on photography as a means of preserving stories and creating living archives provide a powerful perspective on legacy and cultural continuity.
Learn about:
- The role of Aboriginal women as leaders, knowledge holders and cultural custodians
- The concept of “listening with your eyes”
- The significance of connection to Country, songlines and kinship structures in shaping identity, wellbeing, belonging and cultural continuity.
Melissa Mills is a Ghungulu, Garingbal and Bidjara woman from Central Queensland. She is a photographer and storyteller whose work centres on connection, identity and the lived experiences of Aboriginal people. Melissa is preparing to embark on a PhD exploring the roles of Aboriginal women as matriarchs and the ways knowledge, strength and culture are carried across generations.
To register for this FREE presentation and associated documents including the assessment quiz click here