THE GOAL
Our goal is simple:
To teach Aussie kids about First Nations culture — so we can build a future where every Australian grows up with a basic understanding and appreciation of this land’s oldest living culture.
So… how do we actually do that?
We’ve built a digital platform for schools with three key people in mind:
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Principals, who need something affordable and scalable across their school.
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Teachers, who worry about getting it wrong and are time poor.
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Students, who deserve video lessons made just for them — fun, engaging, age-appropriate.
And while we’re at it — let’s be clear: We’re not here to replace local Elders. That kind of learning is sacred. But we are here to add something valuable — a respectful, engaging, and nationally accessible way for schools to give students a strong foundation in First Nations knowledge from multiple perspectives.
MEET THE CREATOR
Marlanie Haerewa is a proud Aboriginal and Māori woman from the Nyikina nation and Ngāti Porou iwi. Born and raised in Derby, a remote town in Western Australia, she carries her cultural identity with deep pride and purpose.
While attending boarding school in Perth, Marlanie saw firsthand the lack of cultural education in classrooms and the widespread misunderstanding of First Nations history and identity. Having grown up connected to culture, she saw what her peers were missing—and set out to change that. She founded Young Yarnz to help educate the next generation and ensure every Australian child grows up with knowledge, respect, and appreciation for First Nations culture.
She is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she completed both the Aboriginal Theatre course and a Bachelor of Performing Arts. Marlanie went on to work with acclaimed companies including Barking Gecko and Yirra Yaakin—one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performing arts organisations.
