Five questions to Aaron Nagas

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/03/five-questions-to-aaron-nagas

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Each week, a new guest hosts the @IndigenousX Twitter account to discuss topics of interest as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. In partnership with IndigenousX, we're inviting its weekly host to tell us about who they are, what issues they're passionate about, and what they have in store for us during their upcoming week. 

Tell us about yourself

I'm a proud Aboriginal/South Sea Island Aussie. My mob are the Bailai people the Traditional Custodians of the Gladstone area in Central Queensland which is where I grew up, met my wife and started our family. We now live on the Sunshine Coast where I work with young people (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) who are involved with the youth justice system. I'm also proud of my involvement with some other programs involving young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which include the Change Course Oxfam program and the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program. They both encourage and guide our Indigenous young people to be the leaders that our mob need to continue taking us forward.

What do you plan to talk about this week on IndigenousX ?

My aim will be to just share my pride of Indigenous Australia and what we are achieving in all aspects of society. I'll also be sharing my views on Australian politics, put my dry sense of humour to good use, and discuss any current events that I think are relevant or brought to my attention by the account's followers. 

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about my culture and sharing what I know with others, helping to strengthen others' cultural awareness. One of my greatest pleasure is to learn more about my culture, both locally and from other regions. I'm also passionate about Australian politics . I'm a lefty with a special interest in Indigenous issues, anti-racism, climate change, Australia becoming a republic and the social issues that affect those less fortunate Australians.

I'm a basketball fanatic and was one of the main organisers of the inaugural Australian Indigenous Basketball Championships (AIBC) held on the Gold Coast last year. I love being involved in positive community events like the AIBC that bring our mob together to have a great time doing what we love and strengthen ourselves culturally by creating broader stronger network of Indigenous people around the country. I’m also a Brisbane Broncos supporter, and love sharing #dadjokes.

 Who are your role models and why?

I’m blessed to live in a time where there are Indigenous and non-Indigenous role models from all walks of life in any profession you can name. Like many others I’m inspired by the greats like Nelson Mandela for example, but my personal role models include those close to me – like my mother Debbie Nagas, aunty Loris Corowa and other family and friends who have not only raised their own families, but still help look after their extended families and communities. They live not for money or fame but because they genuinely love helping people, and in doing so create a better world around them so that others can do the same.

One of my political role models is a man I met only once but who continues to inspire me. Uncle Eric Deeral who was the second Aboriginal person elected to an Australian parliament, the first to any state parliament and still the only Indigenous politician elected into the Queensland state government –something I hope will change in the near future. Trail blazers like Uncle Eric inspire me to achieve goals that are seemingly beyond reach. He has influenced the next generation to follow in his footsteps, until the rare occurrence of an Indigenous member of parliament will hopefully no longer be rare but common place.

What are your hopes for the future?

On a personal level, I hope that I can be great father and husband, a positive supportive role model. I want to help building a better future for all Australians regardless of their race, social status or location. 

As I mentioned earlier, I hope that there will be Indigenous representation on all levels of local, state and federal government and not just in areas of Australia with a high Indigenous percentage of the population. We still have a long way to go to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in almost all aspects of life like health, education and social disadvantage and having an Indigenous voice to represent us would further improve those efforts.

Lastly, I hope for an Australia where facts and understanding – not ignorance and selfishness – determine both our personal actions and political decisions.

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