ANU student and proud Ngiyampaa woman Mikayla Helms recently told us what drives her as she completes an Aurora Internship Program with the Healing Kids, Healing Families team's parenting program.
Read the full interview below.
Mikayla Helms during her internship at The Kids.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Mikayla Helms and I am a proud Ngiyampaa woman. Ngiyampaa Country is located in far Western NSW but I have grown up on Murramarang land on the South-East Coast. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. My passions consist of dancing, my family and language. In my spare time, I am working to create a Ngiyampaa language dictionary, as my Great Nana Aunty Beryl Carmichael, was the last person who could fluently speak our language.
Can you tell us a little more about your work to create the Ngiyampaa language dictionary? – i.e. why did you decide to take on this task?
I am currently working to create a Ngiyampaa language dictionary, to prevent my language from dying. My Great Nana, Dr Aunty Beryl Carmichael, was the last person who could fluently speak it. This project started off as part of a year 12 assignment, specifically, a major project focused on revitalising traditional languages. Originally, I focused on Ngiyampaa, Murramarang and Ngunnawal Country and language, but through extensive research I realised this assignment could have much bigger implications. Since then, I have been in contact with Uncle Michael Kelly, the nephew of my Great Nana and he has been kindly sharing his knowledge with me. Knowledge about language, dreamings, kinship and culture. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to continue this project as Aunty Beryl sadly passed away last year. I hope to not only create this dictionary, but to share it with the world and develop my relationship between language and country.
How did you find out about this internship?
I found out about this internship during a Women in Stem Conference held at the ANU. A Health Science student in the year above me recommended doing an internship through the Aurora Education Foundation.
What made you interested in joining this research team?
I contacted Aurora, and shared my interest to work in Paediatrics and First Nations Health. As an Aboriginal woman, I am very determined to help First Nations communities all across Australia. From there, they recommended The Kids Research Institute which perfectly aligned with those interests.
What have you been doing for the internship?
For my internship, I have been taking part in the development of a Parenting Program, a part of ‘Healing Kids, Healing Families’. I have been involved in full text screening for a scoping review and community engagement.
Can you share something you’ve learnt in your time with us?
During my time with The Kids, the ideas that I have learnt have been eye opening. The research that is being done in regards to intergenerational trauma within Indigenous families is life changing. It has been really interesting to read about how the transmission of intergenerational trauma occurs within the first few years of a child's life, and how specific programs can work to prevent this. I feel that this research has given me a whole new perspective on how trauma can be resolved.
What have been some of your best experiences, or something you’ve been proud to be involved with, from the internship?
I have had so many great experiences! I was very grateful to go out in community with Bek Morrison and meet many lovely Elders whom I painted with and listened to their stories. I was also honoured to talk with Dr Mara West, Dr Helen Milroy and Dr Jessica Buck who are all role models to Aboriginal women across Australia.
How will the internship experience help your future plans?
This internship experience has helped my future in many ways. It has provided me with excellent experience working within a research facility, and has helped me build my networks. It has solidified my plan to work in paediatrics and has taught me ways to communicate, research and express ideas. I now feel more confident within a research environment and participating in a scoping review.
What are your plans once the internship is over, and in your career?
Once I have completed this Internship, I will be heading over to Indonesia for two weeks to study Health Policy. I will then return to ANU for Semester 2 and will undergo my Medical School interviews in August. My goal is to become a Paediatrician and specialise in First Nations health. I want to be able to help mob and advocate for our people, continuing the legacy of my Nana.