From late July to early August, Izayah joined the Native Nations International Exchange Program, run by WAITOC in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission. The program brought together Indigenous youth from Australia, New Zealand and Melanesia to explore cultural reconnection, regenerative agriculture and leadership.
Travelling aboard Waka Hourua (a traditional double-hulled canoe) with the crew from Te Toki Voyaging, the group sailed through Vanuatu’s Penama Province, visiting the islands of Ambae, Pentecost and Maewo. Over ten days they were welcomed into villages, guided by chiefs, elders and young leaders, and immersed in daily life. Mornings began with harvesting and planting crops, followed by preparing food using traditional methods, before sharing in ceremony and story.
Izayah says it was not the activities alone, but the people who left the deepest impression.
“The people we met were the guardians of tradition. The storytellers. The bridge between past and future. They lived their knowledge, and they generously taught us through daily practices, warm hospitality and deep respect for land and ocean.”
The program also highlighted how Indigenous communities are leading the way in shaping tourism that is respectful, regenerative and grounded in cultural values.
“The experience reaffirmed that the future of tourism must be led by Indigenous voices, grounded in relationships – not in transactions. It’s through genuine exchange, mutual respect and shared purpose that we can create tourism that heals, uplifts, and regenerates.”
For Izayah, the exchange was also about representation. He carried with him the voices of both Gwoonwardu Mia and the youth of Carnarvon. Before leaving, he had spoken of his pride in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage through his role at the centre, and his hope of returning with practical skills to strengthen that work.
Now home, he is eager to build on what he has learned. The knowledge, tools and international connections gained through the exchange will help Gwoonwardu Mia continue to grow as a place of culture, learning and community pride.
“I will be forever grateful for the memories, the laughter, the powerful stories, the traditional meals, the meaningful gifts and, above all, the deep sense of connection I experienced. This journey will live in my heart for a lifetime.”
Gwoonwardu Mia is a multipurpose Cultural Centre hosted on Yinggarda Country in Carnarvon that celebrates the Culture and Country of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region: Yinggarda, Baiyungu, Malanga, Thadgari and Thalanyji. Based in Carnarvon, the Centre is now funded to 2025/26 through the Department of Industry and Regional Development.
