Seven young First Nations people and one First Nations school have been crowned winners as part of the inaugural Tyetdji Awards.
The Tyetdji Award winners were nominated by various Indigenous organisations, with the winners being announced by Hawthorn’s AFL and AFLW Indigenous players as part of an online award unveiling on the Tyetdji Instagram page.
Tyetdji is the name of the Hawks Community Foundation’s First Nations programs, meaning ‘brown hawk’ in Gunnai language.
The foundation’s Tyetdji programs close the gap in First Nations health, education and employment by improving the education, mental health and wellbeing of First Nations communities.
The first winner of the Tyetdji Awards was Primary School Student of the Year, Kade Kerr.
Kade hails all the way from Clyde Fention in Katherine, and participates in Tyetdji’s School Attendance program, which rewards students who consistently turn up to school.
Kade was recognised for demonstrating a positive attitude towards learning, bringing great effort and energy, and always going out of his way to help his friends and classmates.
The second winner of the night was Secondary School Student of the Year, Akia-Marie Lake.
Akia-Marie is a proud Jawoyn and Mangarayi woman who attends Worawa Aboriginal College and is a true leader.
She shares her culture through stories and dance, and is in the process of writing a book which features short stories about her personal experiences and family.
The third winner of the night was Tertiary Student of the Year, Adam Price.
Adam is a proud Wurundjeri, Palawa and Wiradjuri man who has shown remarkable resilience and determination.
Last year, he completed his Certificate IV in Community Services at VACSAL (Victoria Aboriginal Community Services Ltd), Preston and has since stepped into a full-time role as a youth worker at Ngwala Willumbong.
Adam now has plans to begin his Diploma of Community Service and is committed to giving back, supporting Aboriginal youth and building a strong future for his community.
The fourth winner of the night was School of the Year, Jilkminggan School.
Jilkminggan School prides itself on being strong, smart and deadly.
Located in the Big Rivers Region of the Northern Territory, this school prides itself on the attendance and wellbeing of its students.
The fifth winner of the night was Young Sportsperson of the Year, Mistee Sagigi.
Mistee is from Badu Island in the Torres Strait and has been selected to represent her community and state across a number of sports, such as Aussie Rules, basketball, touch football and rugby.
Despite only being 15 years old, she has featured across U17 and Open Women’s divisions with distinction.
The sixth winner of the night was Young Creative of the Year, Tyrhys Wilson.
Tyrhys is a proud Miriwoong man from Western Australia who has dedicated himself to discovering his passion through his art.
A talented painter and writer, his art can be found at Bunjilaka inside the Melbourne Museum.
The seventh winner of the night was Community Spirit Award winner, Ricky Cox.
Ricky is a proud Noongar man who has overcome physical and emotional adversity to become a multi-sport athlete.
He has represented the Hawks and Red Dust Heelers in wheelchair footy while maintaining a strong relationship with Dardi Munwurro to help keep his spirit, connection to community, and connection to culture at a strong and meaningful level.
The eighth winner of the night was Young Leader of the Year, Emily Mancell.
Emily is a fierce advocate for young people in the out-of-home care system.
In high demand as a passionate public speaker, she educates carers on how to work with young First Nations people, especially those seeking to reconnect with their community.
See below for the full list of Tyetdji Award winners:
- Primary School Student of the Year: Kade Kerr
- Secondary School Student of the Year: Akia-Marie Lake
- Tertiary School Student of the Year: Adam Price
- School of the Year: Jilkminggan School
- Young Sportsperson of the Year: Mistee Sagigi
- Young Creative of the Year: Tyrhys Wilson
- Community Spirit Award: Ricky Cox
- Young Leader of the Year: Emily Mancell
