Meet Jade Narkle, a proud Noongar woman from Perth, Western Australia, with strong family connections to the Wongi people of the Goldfields and the Yamatji people of the Pilbara.

Some of my fondest memories are sitting with my Pop and Dad, listening to their yarns—stories full of wisdom, laughter, and life lessons. These yarns are more than stories; they are a vital part of our culture, a way of passing down identity, strength, and belonging. Even now, I’m still listening to Dad and his stories, learning something new each time.

I love celebrating NAIDOC Week—a special time when we come together to honour our history, culture, and resilience. Honestly, I wish it was NAIDOC Week all year round, because our stories and our strength deserve to be celebrated every single day. The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, resonates deeply with me. It reminds us of the responsibility we hold to keep our stories alive and to share our strength and vision with generations to come.

Giving back to my people through sport is another passion of mine. Like the yarns from my Pop and Dad, sport builds connection, strength, and pride in our community—helping to inspire and empower the next generation.

This story is part of my journey—a tribute to the yarns that shaped me and a legacy I am proud to carry forward.