Beyond money and ambition: Meet the young people defining success differently

The Garma Festival in 2023 showcased the evolving definition of success amongst young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. As they conversed and shared their aspirations, they emphasized qualities beyond career achievements and financial success. Instead, they spoke passionately about family, culture, language, Elders, and their ancestral lands.

Ann-Marie Long, co-founder of Sandpoppy Weaving at EPIC Pathways, encapsulated this sentiment, stating that success for them is about self-determination, authenticity, and celebrating their communities. However, these personal views also prompt a larger query: how can we gauge progress when success is influenced by factors more than just education, employment, and economic opportunity?

National strategies to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth have traditionally centered on metrics like education, employment, and economic participation, with a significant focus on youth engagement. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap, for example, set a target to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 15-24 participating in employment, education or training to 67% by 2031. As of 2021, this figure stood at 58%.

In conversations with young participants at Garma, their views on success were intertwined with culture, language, connection to land, and social and emotional wellbeing. These elements, according to the young leaders, are all part of a single narrative rather than distinct measures of achievement.

Joshua Yow Yeh, a 20-year-old dancer from the Yugambeh, Bundjalung, Minjungbal, Bayali, Kabi Kabi and Gooreng Gooreng communities, found his path to success through dance at NAISDA dance college. For him, it is a place of cultural reconnection and learning from Elders, elements essential to his evolving sense of success. He remains in the process of defining what success means to him, but it is clear that it revolves around learning culture, gaining knowledge, and connecting with family.

Nearby dancer, Joshua Yow Yeh, spoke about the potential role of creativity in his future, not just for his career but also as a means to serve his community. He aspires to return to his hometown in Queensland, where he can teach and share the culture, traditions, and heritage he has acquired.

Similarly, Meriki Moran, a 24-year-old Meriki Moran from the Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr communities, reflected on the challenges of moving away from his family and community to pursue opportunities. While the transition is difficult, Moran is driven by a desire to bring the knowledge and wisdom he gains back home, helping to educate the next generation. For him, success is realizing a return to his roots, where he can contribute to the continuation of cultural knowledge and teachings.

Asha Bhat, CEO of the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, sees a strong correlation between personal and collective success. She noted that many young people she works with define success not just by qualifications, employment, or income, but by knowing who they are, remaining connected to their culture and land, supporting their families, and creating a brighter future for the younger generation. Bhat emphasized that cultural connection provides the foundation from which young people can pursue various advancements in life.

In essence, the young leaders at Garma have redefined success, broadening its scope to include cultural heritage, community connection, and ancestral wisdom. Success, for them, is a complex interplay of personal growth and collective progress, deeply rooted in their shared cultural identity.