Jack Wilkie-Jans
Jack Andrew Jans or Jack Wilkie-Jans is an Australian Aboriginal affairs advocate, multi-disciplinary artist, writer, and politologist.
Born in Cairns/Gimuy in tropical Far North Queensland, Jack is a Waanyi, Teppathiggi and Tjungundji man and is of mixed heritage.
Aboriginal Affairs
In recent years Jack's work as an Aboriginal affairs advocate has increased as both a political commentator and journalist. Known for his commentary of Cape York Peninsula issues, economic development in remote regions and contemporary Indigenous affairs, he is known at times for his controversy in critiquing long-standing Government programmes and their approach to Indigenous peoples. He is perhaps most known for lobbying against ineffective Native Title representation "punitive measures" such as the Alcohol Management Plans & Welfare Reform Trials in Cape York Peninsula, arguing that focus ought to be placed on addressing solutions to the issues of economic ostracisation and welfare dependency.In 2014 Jack became one of the youngest board members to be elected to Cape York Sustainable Futures Inc. which was Cape York's peak organisation for economic & community development ; and as Deputy Chair of then-Local Tourism Organisation: Tourism Cape York. In 2018 Jack stood down as Deputy Chair of the organisation and resigned from the board. Though, he remains a keen advocate for the economic advancement of the Cape York Peninsula region in his long-standing work as a writer and journalist.
Art and culture
In 2023 Jack launched his private consultancy practice, JWJ Consultancy covering a scope of strategy and policy planning within the Indigenous art sector of the Australian arts industry; including artist representation.Jack is a recognised arts writer, writing for a number of major arts publications, enjoying a regular column with Koori Mail, as a freelance contributor to ArtsHub. and occasional contributor to Art Collector.
A successful visual artist, his film work has also enjoyed industry recognition.