Imagine a TV host boldly weaving his Indigenous heritage into the fabric of children's television, inspiring millions to embrace their roots and sparking conversations about cultural preservation. But here's where it gets truly creative – he's doing it through custom T-shirts that bring ancient words to life on screen!
Every week, Jack Evans, the charismatic presenter of Behind the News (BTN) and a proud Gomeroi man, welcomes a nationwide audience of kids with 'Yaama' – a warm Gamilaroi greeting that means hello. For those new to this, Gamilaroi is an Indigenous Australian language from the Gomeroi people's traditional lands in northeastern New South Wales, rich with history and stories passed down through generations.
Jack shares his philosophy with enthusiasm: 'Among our viewers, I'm constantly encouraging them to take pride in their identity and background.' This year, he's elevated that message by incorporating his culture and language into his on-air presence in an innovative way.
He explains, 'I brainstormed weekly T-shirt designs featuring words from my community's language – Gamilaroi or Gomeroi – paired with simple illustrations.' As the first Indigenous Australian to host the show, Jack feels a deep responsibility to highlight this milestone. 'It's a point of pride for me, and I want everyone to recognize and celebrate it.'
And this is the part most people miss – the creative process behind these shirts isn't just fun; it's a journey of reconnection. Jack starts by researching Gamilaroi words online, scanning dictionaries for options that catch his eye or lend themselves to doodles. Some designs flow easily in an afternoon on his tablet, while others simmer for weeks, evolving into something special.
Take the boot design, for example – it began as a single boot but grew into a pair with hairy legs, adding whimsy and personality. With assistance from his boyfriend, Joel, the concepts become vinyl cutouts heat-pressed onto shirts. 'It stemmed from having the right tools at home and considering my wardrobe for filming,' Jack notes. 'Plus, it's a sneaky, cool method to infuse culture into every episode.'
But here's where it turns deeply personal and perhaps controversial – these T-shirts aren't just fashion statements; they're part of a broader fight against cultural loss. Jack didn't grow up surrounded by fluent Gamilaroi speakers, making this project a meaningful way to rebuild ties. His grandmother was forced to deny her identity for safety, told she was white, only rediscovering her roots later through his auntie's dedicated research. 'My auntie connected the dots in our family history,' Jack says, 'and she's been key in restoring that bond.'
Building on that, Jack's aunt and brother pursued Gamilaroi studies at TAFE, contributing to language preservation efforts. A 2019 survey revealed that of 250 Indigenous Australian languages spoken before colonization, just 12 are still being learned by children today. 'These languages face extinction, so much effort goes into keeping them alive and thriving,' Jack emphasizes. 'My T-shirts might play a small role in that revival – even if viewers just pick up one word, it's a win.'
The engagement doesn't stop there; BTN fans are chiming in with their own ideas. One school teaching Gamilaroi sent suggestions, and Jack adopted the magpie design. Another school highlighted that spotting Jack's shirt has become a weekly highlight. 'It's rewarding to see my cultural connection resonate,' he says.
Asking Jack for a favorite shirt is like picking a favorite child – they're all his 'babies.' But he pauses on the drag kangaroo as a top contender. It started as a school request for a kangaroo, but his boyfriend pointed out its scary vibe. 'I transformed it into a fabulous drag version – because drag is fabulous, not frightening!' Jack laughs. 'Now, I want to drag-ify all the animals.'
Looking ahead, Jack will keep designing original shirts weekly, hoping to inspire young BTN watchers. 'Everything I do honors my younger self,' he reflects. 'I aim to be the role model I needed growing up.' Hosting the show pushed him to be more authentic. 'It's not about the shirts per se, but celebrating pride in your identity – no matter your culture, origins, or self-expression.'
Now, here's a controversial twist: Some might argue that surface-level gestures like T-shirts dilute deeper efforts to revive languages, potentially focusing on fun over substance. Others see it as a powerful, accessible bridge. What do you think? Can playful initiatives like this genuinely help save endangered languages, or are more formal education programs needed? Do you believe representation on TV can change how we view cultural diversity? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, and fresh perspectives!
