This post deals with domestic violence and might be triggering for some readers.

In 2022, Indigenous women are making noise in parliament.

As a result of this year's federal election, we saw not only a "teal wave" of independents championing climate change, but we've also seen a "Black wave" of incredible First Nations leaders championing causes close to them and their communities.

Australians voted in four new Indigenous representatives, including Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart, Northern Territory's Member for Lingiari, Labor's Marion Scrymgour, and Labor MP for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid. In the Senate, NT Country Liberal's Jacinta Nampijinpa Price also won a seat.

Watch: Linda Burney's powerful maiden speech to parliament. Post continues below.

Returning, are Labor senators Pat Dodson from Western Australia, Malarndirri McCarthy from the NT and Linda Burney from New South Wales. Independent senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie, Greens senators Dorinda Cox from WA and Lidia Thorpe from Victoria also kept their spots in the Senate.

As Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week, we look back at the stories behind four of the women elected and re-elected, to find out what made them want to pursue politics and some of the key issues they will each be championing this year.

Jana Stewart.

Jana Stewart is a proud Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman and mother.

Jana says she's never been afraid to stand up for others - from a twelve-year-old girl shielding her younger siblings from family violence and drug abuse, through to her work with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Child Protection System - and now to the steps of parliament.

She was the first in her family to attend university and was also a leading figure in the development of the Victorian Stolen Generations reparations package. She is now the youngest Aboriginal woman to serve in the federal parliament.

"I grew up believing that governments didn't have me or others that grew up in similar circumstances to me, in its heart," she said toMamamia. "As a First Nations woman, I know the parliament and the people who have sat in positions like mine have passed laws and approved policies that were deliberately designed to systematically tear apart First Nations communities across our country."

Events such as The National Apology to the Stolen Generations and the Victorian Government's commitment to Treaty with First Nations people were powerful influences in Jana's decision to pursue a path in politics.

"I want to ensure that anyone in this country who has had all the odds stacked against them are given every opportunity to succeed," she said.

Under an Albanese Labor Government, Jana said she is passionate about championing the following policy areas:

"As a mother, and having worked as a family therapist on the front line with many families and communities doing it tough or just forgotten about, I intend to be a strong voice. I am very optimistic and hopeful about the future of our political system," Jana toldMamamia, highlighting that she's proud to be a part of the government now in power.

"I am also particularly proud to be entering a federal parliament that is the most diverse we have ever had, with more First Nations, women and parliamentarians from culturally diverse backgrounds than ever before. Australians have voted for change."

Lidia Thorpe.

Lidia Thorpe is a proud DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman, a human rights, climate and forest activist, and a mother and grandmother.

At 17, Lidia became a single mum. She knows firsthand what it's like to count every cent to put food on the table. In her twenties, Thorpe started an events management business but eventually had to close it, due to domestic violence.

In 2017, she became the first Aboriginal woman in the Victorian parliament. In 2020, Lidia took her seat as Victoria's first Aboriginal senator in the senate.

Speaking toMamamia,Lidia said what made her want to get into politics was her sense of justice.

We’re from different Country, different nations. Speak different languages. We’ve got different priorities and politics, that's why we're in different parties. But, I look forward to coming together at Blak Caucus meetings 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/p1LtS6ZMHF

— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe)

"I come from a long line of strong Blak women who taught me to stand up for what's right and never let injustice and racism beat you down. Being Blak means that you're born political, because we're always justifying our existence and fighting for a seat at the table."

As for some of the key issues she plans on championing this year, she said it's a time to tell the truth, also saying First Nations people deserve justice, healing and peace.

"The Greens are fighting for a national truth and justice commission, Treaty and enacting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into domestic law," Lidia said.

"The Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children will be accepting submissions within six months of the new government. Having a record number of First Nations representatives in parliament is an opportunity for this country to come o