Shantelle Thompson is a mother of three, public speaker, three-time JiuJitsu World Champion, and in world of social media, she is the Barkindji Warrior. She’s fought hard to change her life’s narrative by diminishing stereotypes and challenging the boundaries that could have hindered her success, as an aboriginal women in both business and sport. To tie in with International Women’s Day, she spoke with Danielle Wilcock about her journey and how she navigates society today as working women. International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 and is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. It’s a day whereby, women’s cultural, social, economical and political achievements are celebrated and mightily championed.
Shantelle is of Aboriginal and European heritage. She is a proud business owner, decorated Jiu Jitsu athlete, wrestling champion and degree graduate. But behind her successes there have been cultural and gender orientated adversities.
“I was born in Dareton, third eldest of 18 siblings. I went to Dareton Primary School, then onto Coomealla High School,” Shantelle explains.
“I was forced to change in year 11 to Mildura senior college. Because I experienced a lot of racial bullying and lateral violence.
“I felt teachers weren’t understanding of who I was and who I was trying to become.”
Despite loving school, and the learning process, she admits she felt she never truly fit in, something she puts largely down to her mixed heritage. The aspirations she had for her future were born from this adversity.
“I always wanted to become a teacher so I could help other kids in the education system who I felt were also labelled too difficult,” she explains.
“I failed Year 12 and had to repeat. But then I was accepted into University through an Indigenous alternative pathway.”
Shantelle studied a Bachelor of Arts and Teaching. She completed this degree after 10 years but it’s her journey throughout this decade that was and continues to be the most significant period of her life.
“I started University as a young woman but I feel I finished as woman, a mother and athlete,” she explains.
“It’s has been an evolving journey, being a mum, juggling my babies, culture, learning and working as well as building a business.”
A large part of the past decade was spent acclimatising to motherhood, in conjunction with business ownership and her athletic endeavours.
“I have always tried to ensure that I’ve been present wherever I can for my children,” she says.
“I’ve made sure my children have always known how much I love them and as they’ve grown, they have got to see how much jiu jitsu made me happy.
“I’ve tried to do this whilst building my business alongside being a self-funded my own athlete athlete for most of my career.”
She explains that her children have become part of her leadership team and she wouldn’t be without their support in life, business and sport.
“I can achieve anything with them behind me,” she proudly admits.
Becoming a mother undoubtedly changes every women’s mindset but for Shantelle, she particularly wanted to break free from what she describes as a “cycle of inter-generational trauma” and stereotypes. She strived to do this in order to provide her children with the best possible world, to live, create and forge their own pathways in life, as she herself has been able to do.
“I wanted to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma of low expectations and socioeconomic problems,” Shantelle explains.
“I wanted to do this, so my children could obtain a clean slate, to write their own journey and not be defined by trauma, limitations or circumstances.
Shantelle’s children are her “pride and joy”, but they have also been played a huge part in her cultural journey. After fighting vehemently for many years to overcome her own adversities, it was becoming a mother that really drove her to explore her cultural identity, to understand her roots and the stories of elders before her.
“I was raised by my father and culturally by my Aunty Sharon Kirby as well as other Barkindji elders of Dareton,” she says.
“Only in the last 10 years have I really began to study and learn my culture and the reason is so I can pass it onto my kids.
“I want to ensure they grow up strong and grounded and connected to their family, their culture and their identity.”
From her developed cultural understanding, her business was born. Shantelle established her Kalilalaana program, which in Barkindji means growth. She soon learnt that in telling her own story as a woman in today’s society, and speaking of her own hardships, others can heal and aspire to achieve in the way she has.
“The Kiilalaana Session is about taking you on a journey that will take you outside of your comfort zone, challenge you to connect with others and yourself,” she explains.
“It’s about going on a journey to connect with your inner warrior through your heart.
Shantelle’s “driving purpose” is to “fight for those unable to fight for themselves”. She aspires to be a voice for those who do not have a voice.
“I want to be a light for those lost in the darkness,” she says.
“I am a storyteller, I share my story where and whenever I can.
“I believe that actions speak louder than words, so I strive to show what is possible to others through my own journey as an athlete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as Freestyle wrestling.”
Shantelle has recently committed to full time move to Melbourne to remain dedicated to her own journey whilst helping to heal the journey’s of others.
“The decision to stay in Melbourne while my children moved back to Mildura, has been one of the hardest decisions of my life,” she says.
“It’s still very early days, and it has been hard. I have had days where I have cried, where I am very fragile and can’t get out of bed.”
Her steely determination and desire to help others is helping her overcome and cope with this trying time.
“Slowly I am finding my feet,” she says.
“I am becoming quite anchored in my purpose and why I am doing what I am doing.”
Shantelle delivers keynote speeches in Melbourne and in Sunraysia with corporates and not-for-profits as a being a health and wellbeing ambassador. She also runs workshops locally and in
Melbourne for various education and youth group and program providers as well as schools whilst also developing and tailoring programs and workshops upon contract.
Her determination to break the barriers she’s encountered as a woman of mixed heritage is credible and infectious. This is arguably the reason she has endured much sporting and business success, but also why she remains committed to her journey and her goals.
