Imagine a TV host courageously infusing his Indigenous heritage into weekly broadcasts, motivating countless young viewers to cherish their own backgrounds—but what if this unassuming display of cultural pride ignites a broader conversation about identity and inclusion?
Each episode, the host of Behind the News (BTN), Jack Evans, a proud Gomeroi man, starts by saying 'Yaama'—a Gamilaroi word meaning hello—to greet over a million children nationwide. For those new to this, Gamilaroi (also spelled Gomeroi) is an Aboriginal language from northern New South Wales in Australia, rich in cultural significance.
'I'm constantly aiming to demonstrate to our viewers that embracing your true self and heritage is something to celebrate,' Jack shares with a warm smile.
This year, Jack has added an innovative twist to his on-screen presence, weaving more elements of his culture and language into the show. 'I brainstormed a plan to craft a fresh T-shirt design weekly, featuring a Gamilaroi word paired with a small illustration,' he explains.
'As best as we can tell, I'm the inaugural Indigenous Australian presenter of this program. That realization fuels my drive to highlight it—I'm honored by it and eager for others to recognize it too.'
Diving into creativity: Every T-shirt begins with selecting a Gamilaroi word. 'I often browse online dictionaries,' Jack says. 'I choose one that appeals visually or lends itself to a fun sketch.'
Some designs come together quickly on his tablet in a single afternoon, while others simmer for weeks. 'One lingered for a long time: just a single boot,' he recalls. 'Then I thought, 'It needs a pair, with furry legs for that extra flair.''
With assistance from his partner, Joel, the ideas transform into vinyl stickers, heat-pressed onto shirts. 'This stemmed from having the equipment at home and pondering my weekly outfits while presenting,' Jack notes. 'Plus, it felt like a neat trick to slip in some cultural essence per episode.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Many Indigenous languages are on the brink of extinction, and Jack's project isn't just about fashion—it's a heartfelt effort at reconnection. He didn't grow up surrounded by fluent Gamilaroi speakers, adding personal depth to this initiative.
'My grandmother was forced to hide her identity for protection, being told she was white,' Jack shares. 'Only later did she uncover the truth, thanks to my auntie's diligent research into our family's past, piecing together our roots.'
His auntie and brother have since pursued Gamilaroi studies at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions, which Jack emphasizes are vital for safeguarding and revitalizing Indigenous tongues. A 2019 study revealed that from 250 active Indigenous Australian languages before European colonization, merely 12 are now being learned by children today. For beginners, this means these languages risk disappearing if not actively taught and used, much like endangered species in a changing world.
'Indigenous languages face the threat of vanishing, so extensive efforts focus on their survival and growth,' Jack states. 'My T-shirts contribute a small piece to that mission. If viewers walk away with even one new word, that's a win in my book.'
And this is the part most people miss: Jack's audience is engaging back, with fans suggesting designs and schools getting involved. 'One school, which teaches Gamilaroi, shared ideas with me,' he says. 'I incorporated one: the magpie.'
Another school mentioned that spotting Jack's weekly shirt is their highlight of each show. 'For me, it's deepening my bond with my culture and language, so it's heartwarming that it clicks with others,' Jack adds.
Picking a top T-shirt? It's akin to choosing a favorite child for him. 'They're my creations!' he laughs, flipping through past ones before settling on a front-runner. 'I adored the drag kangaroo.'
It started as a school request for a kangaroo design. 'I'd sketched one, and Joel commented, 'That's so intimidating! It looks fierce!'' Jack recounts. 'So, I softened it by styling it as a drag queen—drag is fabulous, not scary! Now, I'm tempted to make all animals drag-themed.'
Wrapping up the year, Jack intends to keep designing unique shirts weekly, hoping this visibility resonates with BTN's young demographic. 'All my work honors my younger self... aspiring to be the mentor I lacked,' he reflects. 'Even stepping into this role and realizing kids would see me on screen pushed me toward greater authenticity.'
Ultimately, it's not solely about the shirts themselves, but a celebration of self-pride—regardless of your cultural background, origins, or identity. Be proud of who you are.
What do you think—could personal projects like Jack's T-shirts really play a key role in saving endangered languages, or do we need larger societal shifts? Some might argue this is just a superficial fix in the face of deep systemic issues like inadequate funding for Indigenous education. Do you agree, or see it as a powerful grassroots start? Share your opinions in the comments and let's discuss!
