Jack Evans, a presenter for the popular show Behind the News, is making a powerful statement by designing T-shirts that showcase Indigenous language and culture. But this isn't just about fashion; it's a bold move to preserve a heritage that's at risk of fading away.
The Power of Representation: Every week, Jack, a Gomeroi man, greets viewers with a warm 'Yaama', a Gamilaroi greeting. He's determined to showcase his culture and inspire young viewers to embrace their roots. But here's where it gets personal: Jack's own family history is a testament to the struggle for Indigenous identity. His grandmother, denied her Indigenous identity for protection, was told she was white. It's a story that many Indigenous Australians can relate to, and it's a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation.
A Creative Journey: Jack's T-shirt designs are a weekly celebration of his heritage. Each shirt features a Gamilaroi word, carefully chosen and paired with an eye-catching illustration. What's even more impressive is that Jack creates these designs himself, sometimes spending weeks perfecting them. And the results? Well, they're nothing short of amazing!
A Community Effort: The process isn't just a solo endeavor. Jack's boyfriend, Joel, helps bring the designs to life by turning them into vinyl cutouts, heat-pressing them onto T-shirts. It's a team effort, and the impact is felt across the community. BTN fans, especially students, are taking notice and even pitching their own ideas. Imagine the excitement of seeing your design worn by a presenter on national TV!
Preserving a Language: The T-shirt project holds a deeper significance. With only 12 out of 250 Indigenous Australian languages still actively learned by children, Jack's initiative is a crucial step in language preservation. By sharing a single word, a phrase, or a story through his designs, he's helping to keep the Gamilaroi language alive. And that's something to be truly proud of.
A Role Model for Change: Jack's journey is about more than just T-shirts. It's about representation, cultural pride, and inspiring the next generation. He's a role model for young Indigenous Australians, showing them that their culture is something to celebrate and share. But this also raises a question: How can we, as a society, better support and amplify Indigenous voices and heritage? The conversation is open, and we'd love to hear your thoughts.
