Photo: Jared Thomas with Richard Flanagan and students from Milikapiti School

In May 2016, Magbala author of Calypso Summer, Jared Thomas travelled to the Tiwi Islands as an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. He was joined by musician, William Barton, novelist Richard Flanagan, children's book writer and illustrator, Alison Lester, and the ILF team.

Their four-day visit began in the community of Milikapiti, where they learned about the people and culture of the Tiwi Islands. They also visited Milikapiti School and Tiwi College, where they facilitated workshops with the primary and secondary school students.

Speaking of his experience, Jared said he was "incredibly honoured" to be involved in the trip and was inspired by the commitment of the community and the ILF to build and maintain relationships.

"One of the most impressive aspects of the Tiwi communities and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is their focus and partnership to ensure that Tiwi culture stays strong while the literacy levels of children and members of their communities excel," he said.

Dr Jared Thomas is an author, playwright, poet, and academic. His latest book, Songs that sound like blood will be released in August by Magabala Books and launched at the 2016 Melbourne Writers Festival.