Jean Tiati is a Torres Strait Islander whose traditional land is Sai Bai. Her tribe is Samu. Her traditional language is KKY (Kala Kawa ya). She has lived in Barunga since 1976.
Everybody knows Jean Tiati as JT. She taught at Barunga School for 15 years. Prior to that she taught at Ngukurr School for three years, and at Wagaman School in Darwin for two years. She was Principal of Barunga School for a while.
For last six years her role within the Barunga community has been as a team leader for the daily night patrol. Though she has just retired, she still ensures the safety of children and reports incidents to local authorities.
JT has keen insights into the community. She is involved in a monthly safety meeting as well as the overseeing of after-school activities.
JT teaches in the Flinders University Community Archaeology Field School each year.
