Steven Jacobs - In Culture Tours
“I am not afraid to tell people Indigenous stories and truths that they have never heard before."
Steven Jacobs, In Culture Tours, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
“I grew up on Country as a shearer,” says Steven Jacobs, a proud Whadjuk man with “a real passion for people and Australia. “Being a shearer was hard work, but it was honest. And I met a lot of people, which sparked my enthusiasm for spreading the knowledge of our West Australian Aboriginal culture.”
Following a stint in local government, Steven realised just how important his Noongar culture was –just how much people wanted to know about it, and just how much he knew about it thanks to stories passed down from his Elders.
In Culture Tours, Fremantle / Walyalup, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
“For me, In Culture Tours is all about truthtelling. It can be confronting at times, talking about citizenship and land ownership. But guests appreciate the stories I tell – things you can’t read in books or on the internet. It’s a very honest and open discussion, and no question is ever wrong. That’s important, for us as a community and for reconciliation.”
In Culture Tours, Perth, Western Australia
One of the destinations in Perth that Steve tours is Kings Park / Kaarta Gar-Up, an enormous green expanse in the heart of the city. “This was traditionally a women’s birthing site. There was an abundance of bush food and medicine here. Only women were permitted, and they would stay for months. The men could visit to drop off food, but they weren’t allowed to stay. When I tell people this story they’re amazed. It brings new light to just how ancient and spiritual our lands really are.”
“I am not afraid to tell people Indigenous stories and truths that they have never heard before. We dive into very personal topics, and every answer I give is honest and heartfelt.”