Nikita Marie Fourmile Sellin awarded Queensland Law Society’s First Nations Solicitor of the Year Award
An Indigenous lawyer has won a prestigious Queensland award as she blazes a trail for others to follow. This is what she says her success means.
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THE community of Yarrabah is brimming with pride after one of their own was awarded the Queensland Law Society’s First Nations Solicitor of the Year Award.
Nikita Marie Fourmile Sellin from the Junkuri Laka Justice Group on Mornington Island was awarded the top gong at gala event attended by large crew of supportive mob at Brisbane City Hall on Saturday.
Delwin Sellin said it had been a long, hard struggle for her daughter growing up in Yarrabah.
“I can’t stop crying, I’m so proud and the community of Yarrabah is so proud,” she said.
“But she didn’t get there on her own, like we say, it takes a community to raise a child and it takes a community to help her get this award.”
Ms Sellin started work at Mornington Island doing probate and wills two years ago and now supervises four staff as the chief executive officer at the Junkuri Laka Wellesley Island Aboriginal Law and Governance Association.
“It just a really good feeling to be nominated and to win with the support of family,” she said.
“It’s going to pave the way for other young Indigenous people that want to work in that area of law or who are considering going to uni.
“One of the issues that we all face in community and living in accommodation is already being disadvantaged and having to go away to uni.
“You have to travel away from your community and family is a big thing in Indigenous culture.”
Ms Sellin now practises criminal law and supports clients fronting the Mornington Island Magistrates Court.
The James Cook University graduate was admitted in 2017 and credits her mum for never giving up on her.
Ms Sellin mentioned John Bottoms of Atherton Tablelands Law in gratitude for being a long time supporter.
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Originally published as Nikita Marie Fourmile Sellin awarded Queensland Law Society’s First Nations Solicitor of the Year Award
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