EP #106: ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ with Corey Tutt OAM and Ben Williams
In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Corey Tutt OAM from DeadlyScience and artist Ben Williams share the spirit of pride in their heritage and work. They invite you to listen closely to create true connections with First Nations peoples.
How can all Australians join in celebrating First Nations peoples’ contributions? And what will it take for the public sector to become a genuine partner for Indigenous-led organisations?
On this Work with Purpose episode in celebration of NAIDOC Week, Corey Tutt OAM and Ben Williams share their journey of connection and partnership that culminated in their new book ‘Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles’. Connecting with this year’s theme ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’, Ben and Corey speak from the heart about how pride in heritage and family can be a way to reclaim what First Nations peoples have lost through colonisation.
In conversation with guest presenter Kate Driver, CEO of IPAA ACT, Corey and Ben encourage public sector professionals to become true allies, leave aside any bias and celebrate the important contributions First Nations peoples make to Australia every day.
Discussed in this episode:
- how the public sector can effectively connect with indigenous-led organisations
- the story behind Corey and Ben’s new book
- the importance of good relationships in creating great work
- vulnerability and safety when creating art
- pride in heritage as a way to defy the impact of colonisation
- ways to self-determination
- removing stigma, status and bias
- how to become a better ally to First Nations peoples.
During NAIDOC Week, First Nations peoples are often asked to contribute and volunteer their time to educate others about their culture and knowledge. contentgroup and IPAA ACT want to ensure that we recognise the cultural load that Ben and Corey have generously taken on for this episode by financially recognising their expertise. We encourage you to show your support for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers at your events in the same way. If you would like to support either Corey or Ben, consider purchasing their book, one of Ben’s artworks, or making a donation to DeadlyScience.
Show notes:
Guests:
Corey Tutt OAM
When Corey Tutt OAM learned that there was a remote school with only 15 books in the whole library (5 of which were dictionaries) he set out to make change. To date, DeadlyScience has provided over 25,000 culturally appropriate books focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as well as telescopes, microscopes and other equipment to spark student interest.
Schools involved with DeadlyScience have reported a 25% increase in engagement in STEM and increased attendance. Now DeadlyScience has connected with over 800 schools and sent over 7500 boxes of STEM resources.
DeadlyScience has connected STEM professionals with schools and has now created STEM pathways programs for students. DeadlyScience was the first Indigenous org to feature on the side of the Mclaren Formula one car and has drawn the attention of Formula one superstar Lewis Hamilton.
As a board member of Seed mob Corey has been leading the fight for climate justice for Indigenous peoples across the Nation. Corey was instrumental in developing Science Technology Australia’s first RAP to further encourage participation and inclusion of First Nations peoples in STEM.
Corey’s passion for Indigenous education has also been recognised through various awards including the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Champion 2019; AMP Tomorrow Maker 2019 and ABC Trailblazer 2019, 2021 Eureka Prize winner for STEM inclusion.
Outside of his work in STEM Corey has become a highly successful author publishing bestselling and multi award winning book ‘The First Scientists’ and also his latest book, ‘This Book Thinks Ya Deadly’ which celebrates over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Corey recently was appointed an Associate Professor of Indigenous Sciences at the University of Western Sydney.
Ben Williams
Ben Williams (Jangala/Jaburrula) is a young Indigenous artist from the Kanturrpa clan, totem Milway, of Warlmanpa Country (mother’s, father’s side). It is hot and dry where his mob live, in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory. He is based on Worimi Awabakal country.