Speaking out and standing proud

This year’s NAIDOC Week (7-14 July) theme is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’. It resonates with Destiny Dewis, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait and South Sea Islander woman. Destiny is a passionate advocate for financial literacy education and empowerment.

Destiny began her career working in tourism before moving onto community services and community finance. She now works as a Community Engagement Officer with the First Nations Foundation. Destiny travels nationwide to hear from communities. Topics include money management needs, financial empowerment and advice on achieving their goals.

In addition to her role at the First Nations Foundation, Destiny runs her own business as a speaker and consultant. She has collaborated with the Brisbane Writers Festival, Creative Nations, Brisbane City Council’s Gathering program, the Indigenous Art Program, and the Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprise (SATSIE) at James Cook University.

Working with your strengths

Destiny developed an understanding of how important it is to show respect, listen and to speak up. She attributes this to her work speaking with people on the ground.

“I’ve been very lucky to have had opportunities to work on a range of projects that have introduced me to new people and build new skills from public speaking to production,” Destiny said. 

“In turn, I’ve been able to build better professional networks and work towards bigger and better things.” 

Destiny said that a good place to start when you’re trying to get a business off the ground is to assess your strengths and build on the things you’re good at.

“For example, I love communicating and connecting with people which has led to speaking opportunities. "

“If you have an idea, talk to like-minded people, go to workshops – there’s lots of free opportunities and courses out there and free services that can help you learn about basic business startup and how that can help you get to the place where you need to be.”

Learning through storytelling

Destiny believes that word-of-mouth and yarning with role models is a valuable first step for anyone with a business idea.

“In Aboriginal and Torres Strait and South Sea Islander communities, we learn through storytelling and envisioning things and then we can put that into practice,” she said.

“Being a young Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander woman, I’m very passionate about my culture, and learning about my culture and listening to elders through storytelling and keeping that respect.” 

Destiny said that she works towards being someone who is steadfast in the community. She wants to advocates for knowing who you are and where you come from – your roots, your people and your culture.

“Surround yourself with good people, who give you good energy and support and uplift you,” she said.

Cultural pride and identity

Destiny encouraged other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people to embrace their culture in business. She encourages them to create unique business and economic opportunities rooted in Indigenous culture.

“Stand strong in your beliefs, stand strong in your culture, stand strong in your communities and be a voice for change and a voice for yourself,” she said.

“You can learn from yarning with Elders and building rapport with communities through consultation and listening.” 

Destiny noted many opportunities for collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and businesses. These include developing Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and purchasing local Indigenous products for corporate gifts.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, every individual can take steps to learn and engage because learning is two-way. You’ll think, ‘Oh wow, why didn’t we do this sooner’. There’s so much to gain.”