...the other Sam Cook ;OD

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

to provide a fresh voice advocating for the significant role of performing kaltja in any resolution of Indigenous peoples struggles.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

Listed in the 2007 and 2008 edition of the Who’s Who of Australian Women, until recently Sam Cook was the Executive Producer of Australia’s Leading Aboriginal Theatre Company - YIRRA YAAKIN. A Nyikina sista from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Sam has been working in publishing for 17 years, Theatre for 8, is a trained visual artist and has been arts inclined ever since she can remember. She is a playwright and writer. Her credits include the CHOOteam COMEDY TROUPE, CRYING RAIN, EVERY SECOND THURSDAY and JILAS BUSH MEETING. She is presently writing a novel and has recently launched her own company - lovingly titled KISSmyBLAKarts™. In her spare time [ha!] she is the moderator of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples Network, providing a safe space for global dialogue amongst Indigenous Nations worldwide.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

Indigenous Australia and the global link amongst International Indigenous communities through Performing Kaltja.

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

Australia

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

CEO - KISSmyBLAKarts™

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://www.kissmyblakarts.com

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.yirrayaakin.com.au

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/worlds-indigenous-people

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Civil Society, Development, Education

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Advocacy, Fundraising, Program Administration, Program Design

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

Global Indigenous alliance models.
Self determined global pathways for Indigenous dialogue, participation and exchange.

If appropriate feel free to list several of your (or your organization's) publications

Sam Cook - KISSmyBLAKarts column -published monthly ArtsHub 2004- current