Dot West on how storytelling shapes identity

First Nations stories are rich and diverse, and the world is hungry for them. But when stores are told about, and not with First Nations people, misrepresentation and stereotyping often occur. In this episode we yarn with Noongar Elder Dot West OAM, a leading advocate for the inclusion of First Nations voices in the media. Dot is also a scriptwriter, SBS board member and poet.

Noongar Wellbeing Source: Getty Images

Dot West OAM has been working in the media since 1987. She has held many roles over the years, and is renowned for her work on The Circuit, and Little J and Big Cuz. As Co-facillitator of the Goolarri Writer's Group in the Kimberly, Dot works directly with First Nations writers to help tell their stories. 

A strong supporter of authentic representation of First Nations voices at all stages of a creative project, Dot also recognises the importance of writing to her own wellbeing.

I use my writing to find the light

Noongar Elder Dot West OAM Source: SBS

Writing poetry helps Dot to find a path through tough times and release bad energy.

In this final episode of Noongar Wellbeing, hear Dot West talk with Ballardong Whadjuk Noongar woman Brooke Collard about how writing has influenced her life.

LISTEN TO

Dot West on how storytelling shapes identity

SBS NITV Radio

23:44English

Produced by Brooke Collard, and Lucy Torvaldsen at Envelope Audio.

Follow Noongar Wellbeing in the SBS Radio app, or your favourite podcast app like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, to hear all six episodes in the series.