Pekeri Ruska

2019 Cohort

Pronouns: she/her

Pekeri's social change work is about ensuring all First Nations people of today and tomorrow are strong and proud of their identity, and have access to land, culture and Goenpul knowledge systems.

Pekeri Ruska is a Goenpul woman from Terrangeri- Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Pekeri has a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in journalism. She has practiced criminal and civil law and is currently doing a PhD looking at how Quandamooka people have engaged in strategies of resistance when exercising sovereignty.

“I want all of our children to be born into a world where they do not need to challenge systems to simply exist as First Nations people.”

Social change work

Pekeri's social change work involves community coordination of social justice and equity initiatives for the greater good of her community and country. Her work includes coordinating efforts to protect country from destructive industries and development. Pekeri also assists local efforts to ensure young people have a culturally safe experience whilst at school.