By Casey Neill
Rugby league star Nicho Hynes has always known he is Aboriginal but not what that actually means.
So he’s sharing his journey to embrace culture and feel like he belonged in his Aboriginal identity in the new book Stand Proud.
“I hope that kids from all different backgrounds can feel seen by this story and know they are enough as they are,” he told Kids.
“When people can see themselves in someone else’s stories, they don’t feel so alone in their struggles or they realise for the first time there is a brighter future ahead.
“I think a young Nicho would’ve really appreciated a story like this.
“This story would’ve inspired me as a young fella and I hope that’s the kind of impact it has.”
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks halfback co-authored Stand Proud with friend Marlee Silva, and 2022 Archibald Prize willer Blak Douglas provided the illustrations.
Nicho hopes it helps readers from culturally diverse backgrounds feel like they can be proud of their identity no matter what others say or think.
“I hope it encourages them to express themselves and connect with their culture and community in whatever way they can – because their culture is beautiful and it makes them strong,” he said.
“For those other kids who might not relate to the cultural identity elements of this book, I hope it opens their minds to empathy for kids who are different to them.
“I hope it gets them interested in learning about their classmates or friends’ cultural backgrounds and educates them.”
He thinks parents will also benefit from reading Stand Proud to their children.
“I hope it excites them to help their child embrace their culture and navigate their identity and encourage parents to go away from the book with the intention of continuing to bring more culturally diverse stories and lessons into their homes,” he said.
“Each individual has a unique identity and tapestry of family background, history, and experience that makes them who they are.
“And that this unique combination is something that everyone should have space to grow into, explore and celebrate.
“I hope classrooms and homes alike can provide safe spaces for discussion and questions about identity and culture and ultimately young readers can come to find strength in their differences and pride in who they are.
“There’s no one way to be any particular identity or culture.
“There’s no one way to be Aboriginal or Japanese or Muslim or a boy or a girl, all the things that make us who we are, are specific to who we are and that’s OK.
“Don’t judge another person’s identity by your own stereotypes and expectations and let people be who they are freely and with joy.”
