My story,

Jingi Wallah, my name is Jinaya Walford. A butterfly is my totem; butterflies symbolise transformation and lightness. As a child, butterflies followed me everywhere, reflecting my nature as a social butterfly. 

My mother is a Bundjalung woman and an intuitive woman. My Mother shared stories of her elders taking her into the bush as a child, to sacred land for ceremony. With deep roots in the Great Northern Rivers, I feel a strong connection to my culture and family ties. My mother had given the name Jinaya at birth, meaning butterfly as an Aboriginal name which was fitting and became clear my totem. Embodying the spirit of Jinaya Dreaming, the story I carry within me.

On my father's side, I am Gamilaroi. My father came from Walgett, in rural town far New South Wales. A place where you can see the galaxy and the Milky Way, which we call the Dhinawan. Each side of my parents' ancestral lands carries a different type of energy. On Gamilaroi Country, it feels as if time stops, and you can see the universe, while in the Bundjalung Nation—known as the Rainbow Nation—you can feel the heart of the land.

All my life, I have firsthand seen the value of First Nations culture. Historically, our people have cared for the land and its people for tens of thousands of years. First Nations people understand how to work together as a clan, implementing lore and culture that ultimately guide individuals on how to live and create a sustainable community.

"Lore and culture have shaped my upbringing."

I have always felt the warrior within me, and I express myself as a storyteller through my art and dance. My art is more than just art; it embodies the teachings of lore and culture.

Gamilaroi, Gomeroi, and Widjabul Wia-bal, and Kanakan decendant, currently living on Dharug Nation, Western Sydney, Australia.

I hope to take you all along this journey of sharing stories through storytelling and culture.

Jingi Wallah, my name is Jinaya Walford. Butterflies symbolising transformation and lightness and carry a lot of life meaning. As a child, butterflies followed me everywhere, reflecting my nature as a social butterfly.

My mother is a Bundjalung woman and an intuitive healer. She often shared stories of her elders taking her into the bush as a child to sacred land for ceremony. With deep roots in the Great Northern Rivers, I feel a strong connection to my culture and family ties. My mother named me Jinaya at birth, which means "butterfly" in Aboriginal culture, a fitting name that became clear as my totem. I carry within me the spirit of the Jinaya Dreaming.

On my father's side, I am Gamilaroi. My father came from Walgett, a rural town in New South Wales, where you can clearly see the galaxy and the Milky Way, known as the Dhinawan. Each side of my parents' ancestral lands carries a different energy. On Gamilaroi Country, it feels as if time stops, allowing you to see the universe, while in the Bundjalung Nation—referred to as the Rainbow Nation—you can feel the heart of the land.

Storytelling is a vital part of my culture, and I have been fortunate to meet many great First Nations storytellers throughout my journey. Each storyteller has inspired me to maintain integrity when sharing stories and to ensure that I keep the magic alive.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed the value of First Nations culture. Historically, our people have cared for the land and its inhabitants for tens of thousands of years. First Nations people understand how to work together as a clan, implementing lore and culture that ultimately guide individuals on how to live and create a sustainable community.

"Lore and culture have shaped my upbringing."

I have always felt the warrior within me, expressing myself as a storyteller through my art and dance. My art is more than just a form of expression; it embodies the teachings of lore and culture.

I am a descendant of Gamilaroi, Gomeroi, Widjabul Wia-bal, and Kanakan, currently living on Dharug Nation, Western Sydney, Australia.

I hope to take you all along on this journey of sharing stories through storytelling and culture.