Brooke Blurton: 'Why I'm proud to be Aboriginal'

Brooke Blurton may not have found love on The Bachelor - or Bachelor In Paradise - but with her big smile and bright personality, she certainly won Australia’s heart.

Romance and reality TV aside, the 24-year-old is passionate about her job as an Aboriginal Youth Worker and proud of her Indigenous heritage, something she chatted with Yahoo Lifestyle Australia about in the lead up to NAIDOC Week.

“I’ve always been involved with NAIDOC,” Brooke told us.

“It’s a celebration of Aboriginal culture, showcasing what we love about it and how rich it is,” she said.

As a youth worker, Brooke recognises just how crucial it is for the next generation in particular to be engaged and involved in Aboriginal Australian culture and history.

“It’s really important to have younger people involved in the carry-on of traditions and cultures,’ she explained.

Brooke’s late mother and grandmother were both Noongar women from the south-west corner of Western Australia and she’s keen to pass on the traditions that she’s learnt from them to other young people.

“When they’re older they can do the same,” she said.

“My family are my biggest inspiration,” she continued.

“My grandparents were part of the Stolen Generations. They didn’t have access to things like education but they defied the odds and made something of their lives - regardless of the racism, criticism and discrimination they received,” she said.

So, what makes Brooke most proud to be an Aboriginal Australian?

“The culture,” she replied, adding, “I love how resilient my culture is.”

About NAIDOC Week

The origins of NAIDOC - or National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee - Week can be traced back to the 1920s and every year focuses on a different theme.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2019 is ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’ which acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated by local community events taking place across Australia from July 7 to 14, and Australians from all walks of life are invited to participate.

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