My name is Eytahnyia Scott, I am a Jaru and Yolngu Aboriginal woman. Before commencing at Curtin University, I was a first time stay at home mum for 18 months. Within that time, I relocated from Darwin, Northern Territory, to Perth when my daughter was 3 months old.
My work experience and passion before having my daughter was youth work and youth justice. I worked at several drop-in centres, ran programs for high-risk youth, planned and structured activities in partnership with funding providers and schools. I delivered community youth and family focused activities and programs for Indigenous children and families. I advocated for youth as the Northern Territory Youth Ambassador 2020 and had an active community presence and involvement.
Since being hired as the Indigenous Learning Advisor at Curtin University Library, I have had freedom in my work to find service gaps and rebuild/build connections and relationships between Indigenous staff and students and Library staff to collaboratively work together. I am also promoting and utilising Library collections, services, and spaces to create a better support network for Indigenous students.
Within my role I have the opportunity to branch out across teams in the Library and work collectively with Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies, faculty members and other support services on campus. For example, I facilitate networking events for all Indigenous and Library staff on campus as an opportunity to bring together people working towards the same goal and introduce people who have potential to assist on current ongoing projects or programs.
Being so young, I know I have a lot to learn and gain from this position and from the people I work with. Working with, and amongst, such highly educated Indigenous and non-Indigenous mob has been inspiring and nerve racking at the same time. I look forward to seeing how this job impacts my work ethic, mindset, and future career moves.
My interests outside of work are painting and fishing. Being outdoors on Country is always my go-to safe place where I have no worries, a place my family can go to make memories and grow together.Â
Written by Eytahnyia Scott, Indigenous Learning Advisor
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