NAIDOC Week: Merinda Dryden

We are excited to welcome Merinda Dryden, a Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta young woman to celebrate NAIDOC Week. Merinda's story is one of strength, resilience and the importance of connection to Culture.

In 2016 Merinda was crowned Victoria Miss NAIDOC and participated in the National Indigenous Youth Parliament in 2017. She is currently a Youth Ambassador for the National Youth Commissioner, in the Youth Healing Foundation Advisory Group and an Advocate for Aboriginal kids in out-of-home care.

Merinda had limited knowledge of her Aboriginal heritage while growing up, as she lived in out-of-home care. This affected her self-confidence, sense of wellbeing and identity. In 2014 Merinda re-connected with her family, which began her cultural journey. She is passionate about ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in the development of suicide prevention solutions for Aboriginal communities moving forward.