Westerly is proud to announce Dr. Elfie Shiosaki as its first Editor for Indigenous Writing!
As Editor for Indigenous Writing, Dr. Shiosaki will be responsible for commissioning and editing work from established and emerging Indigenous writers. The Editorship has been introduced to support Westerly’s commitment to publish Indigenous content in every issue. It is part of a desire to make a space for Indigenous voices within Westerly‘s general remit, and celebrate the continuous living cultures of Australia’s First Nation Peoples. In her work with Westerly, Dr. Shiosaki as Editor will be providing feedback to emerging Indigenous writers to help encourage their professional development.
Westerly editor Dr. Catherine Noske welcomed Dr. Shiosaki to the Westerly team. “We are delighted that Elfie has accepted the position. She brings a great enthusiasm to the role, as well as a wealth of experience from her own research background.” Dr. Shioaski is currently researching Indigenous oral history and early Noongar political activism at Curtin University’s Australia-Asia-Pacific Institute (AAPI).
Dr. Shiosaki is excited to be taking up her new role with Westerly. “The special issue of Westerly 61.1 was a unique celebration of Indigenous writing,” she said. “I am excited about working together with Indigenous authors to continue this celebration in each issue of the magazine.
“I think the heart of this editorship is to amplify emerging Indigenous voices at Westerly. The message I would like to share with emerging Indigenous authors is to let your voice be heard. I am excited about working together with emerging authors to support and encourage them to tell their own stories in their own ways.”
Dr. Shiosaki is an Indigenous Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Curtin University’s Centre for Human Rights Education. In 2015, she was awarded a PhD in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia. Dr. Shiosaki is also one of the 51 Indigenous writers who featured in Westerly 61.1! You can purchase your copy of the issue here. Likewise, if you want to see the future work that comes out of Dr. Shiosaki’s Editorship with Westerly subscribe here!
Many thanks to the Australia Council for funding our Editorship for Indigenous Writing, and thanks to all our readers for your continued support of Westerly!