ERNIE Dingo doesn’t see himself as a role model for indigenous kids but says he feels obligated to be a positive influence when they call him “uncle”.
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“There are positive role models around but I don’t look at them as role models; in our system that’s your uncle,” Mr Dingo said.
“It’s not ‘oh so-and-so he’s a good role model', it’s 'would he make a good uncle?’.
"There’s a difference and it’s an unwritten code in the aboriginal community, if someone calls you uncle you’re obligated to be there.”
And be there he was for more than 60 men and teens attending the annual Aboriginal Men’s Yarn Up at Wymah this week.
He ran discussions on social issues and advocated an early intervention program that is turning indigenous children’s lives around.
“What they’re doing here is being aware of their potential and knowing they can go in any direction they want,” Dingo said.
