We as First Nations people of this beautiful country have endured so much, but we are a strong and resilient people, always rise up and never give up.

My artwork for this year's theme represents our Torres Strait culture, this is so important to me, in keeping our dance, songs, stories and language alive, we keep the fire burning in teaching our young people and always be proud of your identity and culture, it is vital that we as First Nations keep the fire burning.

The symbol fire keeping it burning, in many aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in way of life through cooking, healing, storytelling and traditional practices through ceremonies and rituals, rites of passage, are an important way of expressing our beliefs. Connection to country, maintain and respecting the country by the First Nation people.

As a Torres Strait Island my artwork with the flames burning under the Torres Strait Dhaṛi, this represent keeping our culture strong, flames burning upwards depicts people's voices, languages, songs and stories being told and retold over the next generations.

Some of the dance implements used are the thapar or luwut, (pictured in front of the dhaṛi), the kulap or gorr shakers (made from matchbox bean). With the combination of all these dance implements and with intense energy and vibrant movement of the dancers and singing, one can only say be BLAK, LOUD & PROUD.

Joel Sam.