Patricia Morris Banjo, a proud Okola Kunji, Lama Lama woman, is a shining example of resilience and cultural pride. Her journey, marked by determination and unwavering commitment, has touched the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Patricia and her friend Priscilla co-founded the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group in 1997 with a simple but profound goal: to celebrate and preserve their rich cultural heritage. What started as a small, passionate effort in Cairns has grown into a vibrant and thriving group that has been bringing people together for over 25 years.
Image: Patricia Morris Banjo performing with the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (PHOTO: FARLEY WARD/SHUTTERSTORM PHOTOGRAPHY)
From the heart of Cape York to the islands of Torres Strait, the group’s influence has spread across Australia. Their journey wasn’t easy—there was no outside help, just the steadfast support of local communities and Patricia’s relentless spirit. Every step was a testament to their dedication, and over time, they created something truly special.
Patricia’s personal story is as powerful as it is moving. As a member of the Stolen Generations, she experienced the deep pain of being separated from her biological mother at a young age. Navigating her mixed heritage—her mother being Aboriginal and her father white—shaped her unique perspective and spiritual resilience. Her father, a supportive figure, taught her the importance of embracing and respecting both sides of her heritage.
Growing up with different forms of sign language and facing social and educational challenges, Patricia was determined to find her voice and place in the world. Her experiences of trauma and grief, shared by many in her community, fuelled her passion for cultural preservation and community empowerment. Through her leadership in the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group, Patricia has created a safe and empowering space for others to heal, celebrate their identities, and find strength in their shared experiences.
Image: Patricia Morris Banjo addressing the crowd at Link-Up (Qld)’s 2024 Sorry Day event in West End, Brisbane. (PHOTO: FARLEY WARD/SHUTTERSTORM PHOTOGRAPHY)
“I meet so many different deaf people and I see they’ve also suffered…
That’s the motivation for us getting together…
You’ve just got to keep going forward…”
Link-Up (Qld) was delighted to invite Patricia and the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group to participate in its 2024 Sorry Day breakfast event in West End earlier this year. In her presentation, Patricia encouraged everyone to keep moving forward, embrace our cultural identities, and work together towards a brighter future.
Patricia’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her story invites us to celebrate and support the rich cultural heritage of our communities, ensuring that every individual can thrive and find their place in the world.
Image: Patricia Morris Banjo performing at Link-Up (Qld)’s 2024 Sorry Day event in West End, Brisbane. (PHOTO: FARLEY WARD/SHUTTERSTORM PHOTOGRAPHY)