My Land, My Story: Marra football player and model Shadeene Evans on becoming a role model for future generations
IMAGE VIA @SHADEENE_EVANS/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I love that I’m spiritually connected to my Country… this has definitely shaped my opinions, my perspective on life and who I am today.”
This article was made in partnership with First Nations Fashion and Design and was originally published on August 22, 2022.
This month, Fashion Journal is excited to announce a new content series aimed at highlighting and amplifying First Nations voices within our community. The series, My Land, My Story, will spotlight the lives, careers and achievements of First Nations Australians while unpacking their individual connection to Country. This week, we’re talking to 20-year-old Shadeene Evans, Marra national football player, John Moriarty Football ambassador and emerging model.
For more content like this, browse through our Life section.
Growing up in the regional town of Borroloola on the Eastern Coast of the Northern Territory, Shadeene started playing football with other kids after school. After discovering real passion and talent in the after-school sport, Shadeene was approached by a representative from the Moriarty Foundation to play on a local team. Almost a decade later, her star is well and truly on the rise as an athlete, model and role model for future generations. Below, she shares her story.
Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us where you’re from.
Hi! I’m Shadeene Evans. I’m 20 years old from Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory. I have one brother and two sisters who still live in Borroloola with my mum and dad. I’m a proud Marra woman.
What do you do for a living?
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I’m a football player and have played for Sydney FC, Adelaide United and the Young Matildas. At the moment, I’m playing for the Northern Tigers in the National Premier Leagues in Sydney. When I can, I do some modelling work with Chic and also work in retail. I recently took up a job at Adidas at Birkenhead Point which I really enjoy.
Can you describe your career journey, and how you came to be where you are today?
Growing up in Borroloola, I developed a love for football. All the local kids from the community would meet after school at the oval and we would play every day. We’d make teams and play against each other. The more time we spent playing, the more I realised how much I loved it. One day a representative from the Moriarty Foundation visited our community and started a football program.
This would run after school most days. Then a few of us were selected to play in some competitions in the closest major towns. When I was 12, the foundation invited me to attend the World Cup in Brazil which had a huge impact on me. It opened my eyes to what football could potentially do for me. At 13 years of age, I moved to Sydney, attended the Westfield Sports High School and started training in school and after school with a local football club.
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I lived with a local family who are very much like my second family to this day. In 2021, a fashion stylist reached out to me via social media and invited me to walk in the AAFW First Nations Fashion and Design runway show. That was my first modelling experience and my first time on the catwalk. I then met a representative from Chic and have been doing some modelling work since then.
What was it like starting out as a First Nations person in your industry?
It was very different for me coming into the modelling industry with little knowledge and experience. I’ve enjoyed modelling Indigenous designs, representing Indigenous creatives and celebrating my cultural background. Seeing other Indigenous models like Samantha Harris, Nathan McGuire and Magnolia gave me a huge boost and really helped develop my confidence.
How has your First Nations heritage shaped who you are today?
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Coming from a very remote Indigenous community has had a massive impact on me growing up. I’m very culturally connected to my community, the land and my family. I love that I’m spiritually connected to my Country… this has definitely shaped my opinions, my perspective on life and who I am today.
What does Country mean to you?
Country is my home. I feel spiritually connected to my land, my ancestors and my family. When I return home, I am overpowered physically, emotionally and mentally. Country has this impact on me.
What does First Nations representation in the industry mean to you?
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It means a lot to me to see First Nations represented in the industry expressing our culture and designs. I love seeing so many Indigenous creatives with platforms to showcase their extraordinary designs and artwork.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To believe in me; to know I can achieve my goals and fulfil my dreams. A lot of people have seen potential in me but I realised that it is up to me to make it happen.
What do you think the Australian media landscape can learn from First Nations leadership and practice?
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First Nations leaders encourage, nurture and guide our younger generations to stay connected with our community, our land, and our cultural heritage through passing on unique knowledge. The Australian media should recognise the importance of teaching and knowledge-sharing.
What are your goals for the future?
To be the best I can be as an athlete and role model for young Indigenous kids.
You can find out more about Shadeene here.
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