Nicole Brown and Aboriginal Spirituality

As we get ready to celebrate NAIDOC week 2020 we caught up with Nicole Brown who features on our In The Spirit of Things Conversations.

Always Was, Always Will Be.

Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises the First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

First Nation people are spiritually and culturally connected to this country. This country was criss-crossed by generations of brilliant Nations.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia's first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

"Aboriginal spirituality is defined as at the core of Aboriginal being, their very identity. It gives meaning to all aspects of life including relationships with one another and the environment. All objects are living and share the same soul and spirit as Aboriginals. There is a kinship with the environment. Aboriginal spirituality can be expressed visually, musically and ceremonially." (Grant, 2004)

Part of listening, learning and living in respectful relationship with one another involves seeking to understand Indigenous spirituality, which is fundamental to many Indigenous people’s identity and worldview.

About Nicole Brown

Nicole Brown shares how her Self Care practices embed who she is. Her enthusiasm is contagious so it's not hard to understand how Nicole is so proud and passionate about sharing First Nation culture.

Her passion is breaking down Indigenous barriers with her vast knowledge and skills through Indigenous Engagement Consulting. 

Nicole Brown was born in Darwin 35 years ago. She is a proud Indigenous woman of Larrakia/Malak Malak descent. Raising a 9 year old boy as a single mother, Nicole's focus is to make a difference in this world for him and all other young people. Nicole works for the Northern Land Council and also run her own consultancy on the side. She is the Deputy Chairperson of the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation and am a strong advocate for Indigenous women and youth. In her spare time, Nicole volunteers by mentoring our young people in schools and using my journey to inspire them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Nicole says she is deeply connected to her country. Family connections are also huge for me. I’ve got family on both sides here. My great grandmother was one of nine so my extended family is quite large and we make an effort to get together regularly. Going out for lunch is never a simple exercise of going out to buy a sandwich. There’s always someone who knows me and wants to stop for a chat.

Nicole loves Darwin. She has lived there all her life.  She says, "The people, the sounds, the different colours, the melting pot of different cultures, plus the opportunities and flexibility to go for what you want all contribute to what makes this place so unique." 

Discovering our spiritual purpose is a key aspect to every person’s journey. We get a taste of our spiritual purpose when we tap into the desires of our heart. What satisfies us and what makes us frustrated?

We each have a specific wiring with a palette of gifts and strengths that are as unique to each individual as a thumbprint.

Developing our gifts and talents, identifying our dreams and desires and learning how to use them, all help to live a life of purpose.

Purpose enables us to make a difference to our world. Life does not have to be about just living for self. Our life can be used to make a difference for others.

It is important to begin by noting that while the term 'spirit' and 'spirituality' are closely connected, they are not synonymous. The human spirit is the essential life-force that undergrids, motivates and vitalises human existence.

Join us and listen to inspiring stories of hope, humanity, adversity to resilience. A new In The Spirit Conversation is released each week. Explore and discover what spirituality means you.

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