Clea North

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Clea North is a proud Mithaka and Gunggari woman from south-west Queensland, now residing on Gubbi Gubbi Country. Born in Charleville on Bidjara Country, Clea grew up in a remote community where the classroom often felt like a place of exclusion, despite her love of reading and writing. These early experiences of disconnection from education sparked a dream at the age of 15: to become a teacher who could serve as a visible and supportive presence for First Nations students—something she wished she had growing up.

Today, Clea is a devoted mother, wife, and strong advocate for education, driven by her unwavering commitment to empowering First Nations youth to thrive. She believes education is a transformative force, providing young people with pathways out of poverty and into brighter futures. 

Clea’s professional journey began as a teacher’s aide and community education counsellor, roles that ignited her passion for creating inclusive, culturally safe environments. Now a recognised leader in education, she works directly with students, carers, and schools to support young people, especially those excluded from mainstream education due to trauma. Clea is steadfast in ensuring their aspirations remain alive and achievable, centring their voices in conversations about their futures and recognising their unique strengths and potential.

Clea is also a passionate artist who has used art as a form of therapeutic self-care since childhood. Her multifaceted work reflects a deep commitment to fostering equitable futures for First Nations people, particularly women, and promoting cultural identity through education and art.

In this episode of The Dreaming Collective podcast, Clea shares her personal story, including a transformative moment that reshaped her identity as a Black woman navigating a white patriarchal society. She speaks passionately about the importance of amplifying the voices of Black women and mothers and her use of art and advocacy to challenge systemic racism and oppression, particularly in education. Clea highlights the critical need for self-determination, education, and community support for young Indigenous people. Her resilience, creativity, and cultural pride shine through, leaving listeners inspired to continue the fight for equity and keep the fire burning "black, loud, and proud."

Resources and Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

1. Indigenous students face high rates of school disciplinary absences in Queensland
   • An article exploring the challenges Indigenous students face regarding disciplinary absences in Queensland schools.
2. QAI and ATSILS call for inquiry into school disciplinary absences
   • A joint call from QAI and ATSILS advocating for an inquiry into the impact of disciplinary absences on Indigenous students.
3. Kumanjayi Walker Inquest Findings
   • Information on the inquest into the tragic death of Kumanjayi Walker, highlighting systemic issues.

Thank you to Shannan Bishop, a proud Gunggari Artist and Graphic Designer, who also has connections to Wakka Wakka and Kabi Kabi, for designing The Dreaming Collective's Podcast Artwork. Shannan's art depicts our host, Carly Forrest's journey of bringing the podcast to life and shows the coming together of freshwater and saltwater ~ red dirt and sand with the sharing of our storylines connecting us all and preserving these yarns for future generations.
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