Kyarlee Tighe on Overcoming Adversity, Cultural Connection, and Advocating for First Nations Youth

In this deeply moving episode of Yarning Up, we sit down with Kyarlee Tighe, a proud Kamilaroi and Wonnarua woman whose story of resilience, strength, and advocacy is nothing short of inspiring. Kyarlee shares her journey growing up in out-of-home care, the challenges of navigating the foster system as a young Aboriginal woman, and the impact of systemic barriers on First Nations youth.

She opens up about overcoming personal and generational trauma, the importance of cultural identity in healing, and how she’s using her voice to advocate for young people in care. From her experiences as a high-level rugby league player forced into medical retirement to her current studies in nursing, Kyarlee’s story is a testament to the power of determination, connection, and self-belief.

Tune in for a powerful yarn about breaking cycles, building community, and reclaiming identity. To connect with Kyarlee and her work, including her platform Our Mob, Our Voices, visit her Instagram @kyarleetighe.

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We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.

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