While celebrating 25 years of Flinders’ commitment to the Northern Territory, we asked Associate Professor Kootsy Canuto in Darwin about his unique journey to academia, and why he’s grateful for the path he’s taken.

What is your role and what does your work focus on?

I’m Associate Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health and Wellbeing. All my research is with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, focused predominantly on primary health care service utilisation and engagement, social and emotional wellbeing, and fatherhood.

What journey brought you to this point in your career?

Apart from playing sport, there wasn’t a lot of employment options for a young fella like me. I had limited skills and zero training or experience, which left me to choose from either manual labouring jobs, menial work in the retail or hospitality industry, or I could go and get a degree. I initially chose to spend a large chunk of my life doing those first two options, but after an old injury raised its ugly head, physical work was no longer a sustainable option, so I had no choice but to go and get a degree.

After I got my undergraduate degree, I took the public servant path – but after a handful of months in that environment, I needed more. My wife, Associate Professor Karla Canuto, encouraged me to have a yarn with Professor Alex Brown … and the rest is history.

What do you love most about your work?

I advocate, influence and push the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health agenda as hard as I can – and that keeps me motivated. It also helps when other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males (most of whom I have never met) benefit either directly or indirectly from the work I’m involved in.

What’s your best Northern Territory story?

Ha! No chance of sharing those stories here! However, since arriving in Darwin in December 2021,  I’ve been able to connect with friends and family, many for the first time, and through this a lot more stories are starting to mount up.

What do you do with your spare time?

I’m a legit introvert. l like to hide away from the world. It gives me the time and space I yearn to be still, think and just be quiet.

What are you grateful for?

First and foremost, I’m always grateful to my wife and family. I am grateful to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders who continue to inspire me in my chosen field; Uncle Martin Nakata, Uncle Mick Adams and Uncle Mark Wenitong. Their influence, contribution and longevity in a world not designed for them is truly inspirational.

I’m also grateful to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders who continue to provide me with the guidance, advice, and support that has enabled me to reach the fortunate position I find myself in today. This includes Professor Alex Brown, Professor James Ward, Professor Shaun Ewen, Professor Yvette Roe, Associate Professor James Charles, Associate Professor Sandy Campbell, Associate Professor Odette Pearson and Dr Eddie (EJ) Cubillo.

I also thank the other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders across ALL academic disciplines and sporting fields who have provided myself and others with the opportunity to ‘be it, because we can see it’. It is also amazing how many other Leaders and deadly mob are positive role models for their communities and people – most who don’t see themselves as Leaders, but I tell you they most definitely are. I only hope I can continue to play my small role in the greater scheme of things for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders.