Reviving First Nations culture to rebuild identity
Sheree Blackley has sparked a cultural resurgence to reshape identity, strengthen community and ensure the next generation deeply connected to their ancestral language and land.
A proud Kalkatungu, Waanyi and Gungarri woman, Ms Blackley has dedicated her career to revitalising Kalkatungu cultural practices in north‑west Queensland.
As a CQUniversity Associate Degree of Building Design graduate, her work has spanned art, education environmental stewardship and community leadership, which she said has influenced the diverse operations of her business, Malkarri Culture and Connection.
Through her not-for-profit, Ms Blackley delivers language classes, cultural workshops, song and dance programs and a growing suite of educational resources.
“I’m passionate about the revival of Kalkatungu culture and the protection of our natural ecosystems on Country,” she said
“I’ve always been connected to Country. Even as a child you never felt frightened in the bush because you knew your ancestors are here with you.”
Her cultural revival work first began in 2015 with the formation of the Sundowner Kalkutungu Dancers.
“We thought dancing was a good way to involve the kids,” she said.
“They could pick up the language through listening to the music, singing and dancing.
“Some of our young people started dancing with us at five. Now they're have finished high school and young adults they’re still dancing with us.”
When Ms Blackley began her language revival aspirations, only one fluent Kalkatungu speaker remained and the language was considered critically endangered.
“We now have around 100 partial speakers,” she explained.
“It’s still a journey to get to fluency but I think we’ve got hope for the next generation. The little ones learning now, it will end up being their first language.
“It makes me feel really proud to see. The kids feel proud of themselves too as it makes you feel connected to who you are as an Aboriginal person.”
This has led the creation of the Kalkutungu Punpatitjin Language Project, developing learning materials from beginner to advanced levels. In partnership with linguists and Elders, she helped build a full Prep to Year 9 curriculum which is being formalised by the Queensland Department of Education as a Languages Other Than English offering.
Malkarri has also grown into a multifaceted organisation that includes the Muu Tjaa Warriors Kalkutungu Indigenous Rangers. Ms Blackley’s environmental leadership is reflected in her ongoing studies and is currently enrolled in CQU’s Bachelor of Environmental Science.
“We are focused on preserving our native flora and fauna. Getting rid of invasive species helps bring Country back to the way it was before colonisation.
“I hope the work we do today forms a solid foundation for the work to come,” she said.
“The young people of today will be the Elders of tomorrow.”
Her leadership and vision were recognised this year when she was named CQUniversity’s Alumnus of the Year – Social Impact, an honour she said also belongs to her community.
“Without the people who work with me, none of this would be possible. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.” Ms Blackley said.
“I feel very proud to bring it home to our community in Mt Isa.
Find out more about our Alumni Award recipients.
