Sometimes you feel shame job. You might speak traditional language at home, but struggle with English at school. A First Nations young person is at school. They have their hands on the side of their face and look distressed. The young person thinks ‘They’re going to think I’m stupid’.

Sometimes it’s over culture and law. Dillion, a young First Nations man, is playing AFL. He overhears members of the opposing team saying ‘Dillon’s not a man, just a boy!’. A player from the opposite team is chasing him on the field saying ’Scared of becoming a men eh? Want to stay with the women?’.

Bullying and racism. Siena, a light-skinned First Nations woman, is being bullied by two darker-skinned women. One says ‘Siena thinks she’s too good for us!?’ And the other says ‘Pfff! She’s just another fake black fella!’.

Or not knowing your culture or where you come from. Grace, a First Nations woman, is walking past art. She overhears two people talking about her. ‘What’s Grace doing?’ ‘Think she’s learning more about her mob.’

Try to be kind to yourself. Practise positive self-talk. Think about the things you like about yourself. A young First Nations person has their face painted with cultural markings and is smiling. 

Spending time in nature can help build resilience. A young First Nations person is running along the beach, smiling and waving behind them. 

Connecting with culture and talking with Elders can build a sense of pride and belonging. An older First Nations man is talking with a younger First Nations boy. The older man says ‘Don’t worry about them, Uncle said your turn will come later this year.’

Reach out to your mob and talk about your experiences. Don’t be shame to look after yourself! Four young First Nations people are standing together and smiling.