Honouring Our Leaders: Teela Reid – A Visionary for Change

Teela Reid embodies the power of courage, resilience, and commitment to justice. A proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, Teela’s life and career reflect her passion for advocating systemic change, honouring her heritage, and envisioning a better future for all.

Teela describes herself as a “Rebellious Lawyer,” blending her legal expertise with storytelling and activism to challenge systemic racism and foster generational change. Her platform, @blackfulla_bookclub, co-founded on Instagram, showcases First Nations’ Ancestors as the original storytellers, sparking conversations about culture, history, and identity.

In her legal career, Teela has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the protection of Aboriginal Land Rights. She currently serves as Special Counsel at the Environmental Defenders Office, where she works to safeguard cultural heritage. Previously, she was a Senior Solicitor in Aboriginal Land Rights litigation and the inaugural First Nations Lawyer-in-Residence at The University of Sydney Law School.

Teela has been an advocate for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a call for the recognition of First Nations peoples in Australia’s Constitution. Her leadership extended to being part of the Federal Government’s Referendum Engagement Group, offering strategic insights into the First Nations Voice to Parliament.

A working group leader on the Race Power provision (Section 51(xxvi)) of the Australian Constitution, Teela played a vital role in the discussions underpinning the Uluru Statement. Her work exemplifies her belief that “the world we live in is the world we create”—a philosophy that drives her to reimagine and build a more equitable society.

Teela’s academic achievements are exceptional. She holds a Postgraduate Juris Doctor/Law from the University of New South Wales and a double Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Teaching and Health and Physical Education from the University of Newcastle. Teela further refined her leadership skills as a graduate of the Global Emerging Leaders Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Teela’s remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:

1. 2023 Marie Claire Australia Power List
2. 2022 Australian Law Awards Indigenous Leader of the Year
3. 2022 Voice of Now
4. 2020 UNSW Young Alumni Award
5. 2020 Time Out Future Shaper
6. 2020 Daisy Utemorrah Award by Magabala Books

These recognitions highlight her influence and amplifies her voice for First Nations communities.

Teela is currently working on her debut novel, Legally Blak, a reflection of her journey and advocacy for justice and cultural pride. Through her writing, she seeks to inspire others to challenge the status quo and imagine new possibilities for justice and equality.

As an activist, lawyer, and storyteller, she continues to inspire First Nations communities and beyond. Her dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and uplifting Indigenous voices leaves a legacy that honours her Ancestors and paves the way for future leaders.

Through her work, Teela Reid reminds us that change begins with a brave idea—and the courage to make it a reality.