Young Wiradjuri Man Shares Culture

He may be just 23 years of age, but Wiradjuri man Joseph White has a passion to see his culture shared with the younger generations.

Born in Taree, he was just 11 months old when he was fostered by a couple in Darlington Point.

“Everything I know is because of that drastic change as a baby,” Mr White said.

“I have been blessed to be welcomed and raised by a beautiful forward-thinking Aboriginal family.

“Since I can remember, being taught our family history and identity has always been imperative to our family.

“Being educated on the hardship and adversity of my predecessors has inspired me to help spread the knowledge I’ve been given and forward it to the younger generation and help embed positive thinking practices for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, because I believe it is so easy for Aboriginal culture to come to a stalemate.”

Mr White hopes to inspire youth to think and achieve greatness despite their economic situation.

“A waterfall started with a single drop of water,” he said.

He has recently started a cultural program aimed at youth of all ages, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, to give them a better understanding of Aboriginal culture and Australian history at the core of it.

The program includes one-to-one and group lessons for anyone willing and eager to learn. Mr White teaches an introduction to Aboriginal history (pre-colonisation), didgeridoo fundamentals to advanced level and a basic knowledge of local flora and fauna his ancestors would have made use of thousands of years ago.

• Topics:

• Aboriginal Culture & History
• Youth
• People