Reshaping the Narrative on Aboriginal Youth
Children and young people in Imanpa have transformed their stories of strength and culture into powerful superhero characters
The Anangu Superhero Project was designed to give young people an opportunity to shape the narrative surrounding Indigenous youth and showcase their ‘powers’ of wisdom, strength, safety, courage, love and culture. The project encouraged young people to reflect on their own heroes at home and in community, and see themselves as powerful in a positive way. The project amplified young people’s voices, reinforcing their sense of belonging and influence in the world.
Here are a few of the amazing superheroes created:
Wati Mai (food man) – Jimarcus
Brings starving people bush food when they are hungry. Feeds homeless people, gives them magic water, malu, bush banana, yam, tinka & ngintaka.
Kungka Wanka (spider girl) – Nikea
Helps kids stay safe. Comes out at night. Throws webs.. Scares kids to go home and makes them go to sleep ready for school.
Wati Tjina
Wati Tjina helps people who are lost and help them find their way home. He knows all the tjina (footprints) of every person and animal in central Australia.
The project included a range of deep explorations with the young people including the project being embedded into the local school’s (Nyangatjatjara College) curriculum, character development, reading about superheroes and connecting concepts to everyday life. The heroes were painted onto the Imanpa youth shed as a mural, during a weeklong program, with activities highlighting youth leadership, food for strength, mindfulness and creativity. The characters have also been transformed into an animation (above).
The project was devised and led by NPYWC’s Anangu staff and community leaders in conjunction the NPYWC Child & Family Wellbeing Service, and was supported by the Imanpa School.
The ultimate power of the superheroes is the voice of the children who created them. This project shows the healing and connection that can be built within communities when Anangu voices are centered and heard.
