Kiarah Judd | Born and raised on Wadawarrung country

Kiarah Judd, warmly known as Sissy, is a young and proud Arrernte woman, born and raised on beautiful Wadawurrung country.

In just Year 10, Kiarah already has a glowing resume and is a fantastic role model for young people in community. She works for Strong Brother Strong Sister as a Koorie Youth Group facilitator and junior mentor, has danced with the Deadly Dances since she was very little and is a senior choir studio member of Dhungala Children's Choir. Last year, Kiarah was the recipient of the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative 2019 Female Young Achiever NAIDOC award.

We caught up with Kiarah to find out a little bit about what the arts and NAIDOC Week means to her.

“For me it’s a celebration for our community. Even though things might be trickier this year, there’s still lots of ways to celebrate with online kids’ activities, small events and the opportunity to reach out to our community members in other ways.”

For a girl of just 16, Kiarah’s history with the arts is impressive. Though both a keen singer and dancer, she admits that it’s singing that occupies a special place in her heart.

“I prefer singing to dancing because of the connection it represents. I grew up with aunties who were singers and an uncle too, and music is a big part of what keeps us connected.”

In speaking with Kiarah for even a few minutes, you come to realise that it’s this uniquely bonding quality of the arts that is key in expressing and celebrating her culture.

“Singing in language is really important in keeping us connected and keeping the connection to language alive. When I grow up, I will teach my children our language, and we’ll sing together to celebrate NAIDOC Week too.”

“Being able to be around other young Aboriginal people and all share our voices and our songs, because we are all from different mobs and different language groups, is very special. We share some of the same songs, and have others shared with us, and that means we can continue growing and learning together.”

“At home, we try to incorporate Wadawarrung words into everyday life, and continue to teach kids in community little words to keep the language alive.”

“Even for people in community who might not be singers, we always have a Welcome to Country in language from Aunty Corrina or a traditional custodian.”

Having begun singing along to the radio at the tender age of 3, Kiarah recalls the role that Geelong Arts Centre played in taking her singing from the shower to the stage.

“I joined Short Black Opera for kids [Dhungala Children’s Choir] when they held their inaugural event at Geelong Arts Centre, and was then asked to sing at NAIDOC Week and different little gigs here and there. We haven’t been able to perform in a while because of the challenges everyone has faced this year, but one of my most recent performances was with my cousin at the Women in Community Life Awards for City of Greater Geelong to celebrate International Women’s Day”.

When it comes to encouraging other young First Nations people to pursue a career in the arts, Kiarah has just one piece of advice:

“Do what your heart tells you to do. If you want to, go and do it, don’t let anything stop you!”

KIARAH’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Up and coming First Nations artists to keep an eye on in order to better see, hear and learn about our country’s rich history

Fresh Melbourne based duo, The Merindas, are the synthesis of warrior queen, bringing an on-trend style of rhythmic, expressive and beautiful music dedicated to their cultural heritage. Blending their sultry tones and energetic stage presence, The Merindas, accompanied by producer Jake Steele, create an atmospheric fusion of Indigenous, electro-tribal pop sounds in an extraordinary presentation of choreographed movement and slay attire.

Full of delicious harmonies, youthful electro vibes, and meaningful lyrics, this album is one you love for years to come. Buy/listen/stream via your favourite digital retailer, or visit their website to learn more.

The Merindas have previously facilitated Geelong Arts Centre’s Parrwang Youth Arts Program.