Jack Evans, a presenter on the popular show Behind the News (BTN), is making waves with his unique fashion statement. But it's not just about style; it's a powerful way to celebrate and preserve Indigenous culture and language. A simple T-shirt has become a symbol of cultural pride and a tool for education.
Every week, Jack, a Gomeroi man, welcomes viewers with a warm 'Yaama', a Gamilaroi greeting. But his passion for sharing his heritage goes beyond words. He's designed a series of T-shirts, each featuring a word from the Gamilaroi or Gomeroi language, accompanied by a captivating illustration. This creative endeavor is a way for Jack to connect with his roots and share his culture with the show's young audience.
But here's where it gets personal... Jack's journey is deeply intertwined with the history of his family. His grandmother, in a tragic twist, was denied her Indigenous identity for protection, being told she was white. It was only later in life that she discovered her true heritage, thanks to Jack's aunt, who dedicated herself to uncovering their family history. This revelation sparked a fire in Jack to embrace and celebrate his culture.
The T-shirt project is more than just fashion; it's a language revival mission. With only 12 out of 250 Indigenous Australian languages still actively spoken by children, Jack's initiative is a crucial step in preserving Gamilaroi. He scours online dictionaries for words, choosing ones that resonate and can be creatively illustrated. Some designs are quick sketches, while others evolve over weeks, like the humorous hairy-legged boots.
And this is the part most people miss... The shirts are not just Jack's creation; they're a collaborative effort. His boyfriend, Joel, helps bring the designs to life by turning them into vinyl cutouts, heat-pressing them onto T-shirts. This process started as a way to utilize Jack's at-home resources and has become a weekly ritual.
Jack's T-shirts have captured the attention of BTN's young audience, with students even suggesting words and designs. One school, teaching Gamilaroi, offered ideas, and Jack featured their magpie suggestion. This interaction highlights the impact of Jack's work, as students eagerly await his weekly fashion choice.
When asked about his favorite design, Jack playfully compares it to choosing a favorite child. He reminisces about a drag kangaroo design, which started as a school request. With Joel's encouragement, the kangaroo took on a drag persona, and now Jack envisions a whole series of drag animals. This lighthearted approach makes Indigenous language learning fun and engaging.
Here's the controversial part: Is this the future of cultural preservation? Jack's mission is not just about the past; it's about inspiring the next generation. He hopes his on-screen representation will encourage young Indigenous viewers to embrace their heritage. By wearing these T-shirts, Jack is not just presenting the news; he's presenting a powerful message of cultural pride and the importance of language preservation.
So, what do you think? Is fashion a powerful tool for cultural education? Can a T-shirt spark a language revival? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue Jack's mission to celebrate and preserve Indigenous heritage.
