In line with the conference theme, our presentation will highlight a transformative approach to healing that has been taking place in the small, remote community of Imanpa in the Northern Territory. This project has seen our NPYWC Walytjapiti team collaborating with the local primary school as well as the NPYWC Youth and Child Nutrition teams to build connection and community by centering the voice of young people and their stories. 

The work of our program aims to engage with families through an integrated lens that synergises trauma informed practices with principles of cultural safety and respect. This project is the perfect example of translating this theory into practice.  

The Anangu Superhero Project was developed to give young people an opportunity to take charge of the narrative surrounding Indigenous youth and showcase their ‘powers’ of wisdom, strength, safety, courage, love and culture. In doing so, the Imanpa superheroes were created and painted onto the Youth recreational hall as a mural during a weeklong program.  

Amplifying the voices and perspectives of Anangu, these narratives, through the mural have left behind a sense of pride, strength and resilience for the entire community. Our presentation explores the workshop process and the development of story lines for each character that allowed for authenticity to emerge through the recognition of the deep wisdom of the Anangu young people involved. 

The presentation will also highlight the critical role played by Anangu voices and service collaboration throughout the project which enhanced its impact and offered opportunities for extended learning through exploring superfoods for strength and connecting themes of ‘superpowers’ to everyday life.  

The ultimate power of the superheroes is the voice of the children who created them. This project shows the healing and connection that can be built within communities when Anangu voices are centered and heard.