The 2025 National NAIDOC Forum will be held on Friday 4 July at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together Indigenous speakers to reflect on the theme 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.'

The forum will feature cultural breakout sessions, Indigenous owned market stalls and a full day of talks ahead of the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.

One of the featured speakers is Karajarri, Naaguja, Noongar and Māori artist and business owner, Jarnda Councillor-Barns.

She is the founder of Jarnda Bina Art which blends personal storytelling with cultural expression.

"Jarnda Bina Art began during a really special and transformative time in my life - I had just become a first-time mum," Ms Councillor-Barns told National Indigenous Times.

"I was at home with my newborn, navigating the new world of motherhood, and I felt a strong pull to tell my stories through art.

"At first, it was a personal outlet, but it grew into something bigger... I wanted to show my son that you can build something from the ground up, that creativity and hard work can go hand in hand."

Ms Councillor-Barns said her creative practice is shaped by her connection to Country and culture.

"My connection to Country grounds me," she said.

"It is where the stories come from, where identity lives, and where I feel most like myself.

"Through my work, I am not only sharing my own experiences, but I am also celebrating the strength, resilience and beauty of our culture... every piece I create is shaped by culture."

She said a recent highlight was her collaboration with the Perth Wildcats, where she worked with family to design a uniform grounded in shared stories.

"Working with the Perth Wildcats was such an incredible and meaningful experience, especially because I had the chance to collaborate with my cousin Keanu and our family on the design. That made it personal on a whole other level," Ms Councillor-Barns said.

"Both of us are from the Kimberley region in WA, and being away from Country can be challenging... so connecting through art and culture in this way was really special.

"Seeing that artwork come to life on the court, proudly worn by the team and embraced by the community, was a powerful reminder of how far art can reach."

Reflecting on NAIDOC Week's 50th anniversary, Ms Councillor-Barns said the theme of legacy holds deep meaning.

"As an artist and mother, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to both honour the legacy of Elders and pave the way for coming generations, including my son, to feel proud of who they are," she said.

"The message of strength, vision and legacy also reflects my journey with Jarnda Bina Art."

She hopes her presence at the forum will inspire others to embrace their stories and uplift one another.

"I hope people feel a genuine connection to culture, to story, and to the strength that comes from knowing where you come from. My art is about more than just visuals," she said.

"It is about sharing experiences, keeping culture alive, and inspiring others to embrace their own stories with pride.

"Storytelling, through art or any other way, is a powerful tool for healing, understanding and unity."

The National NAIDOC Forum will be a space to reflect, connect and celebrate the voices and leadership of Indigenous people across generations.

National Indigenous Times is an official media partner of Perth's National NAIDOC Forum. Tickets can be purchased on Humantix.