It’s NAIDOC Week, which means it’s time to celebrate and support all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence throughout Australia. This year’s theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! so what better way to do all of those things than by putting our money where our mouths are to support the work of First Nations women?
We all know that the injustice faced by First Nations people is real. But what we don’t necessarily know is how to make meaningful reparations. What can we do once we’ve listened, read and rallied?
Badaboom… we can buy stuff.
Here are nine Indigenous businesses selling stuff we really want to buy. You might want to buy from them too.
First Nations Women-Owned Businesses To Support This NAIDOC Week (And Always)
Haus Of Dizzy
Haus Of Dizzy is the baby of Wiradjuri woman, jewellery designer and “Queen of Bling”, Kristy Dickinson.
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman, mother, owner and creator,” Kristy said.
“I’m inspired by my Indigenous heritage and my mob, my love of 90’s fashion, hip-hop and most of all my son, Ziggy Lee.”
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Art
Proud Quandamooka woman and artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins creates stunning original artworks, ceramics, clothing and homewares on Minjerribah (AKA North Stradbroke Island).
You might have seen her art on the 2018 Commonwealth Games medals, but she’s got a whole heap of gorgeous prints and sculptures to fill your house with. Delvene has even made handprinted cushion covers of Migalu Yalingbilla — the white Humpback whale we love and know as Migaloo.
Lowanna Natural Skincare
Lowanna Skincare offers natural, vegan and cruelty-free skincare made in Australia.
“We use ingredients that Indigenous Australians have been using for centuries, like Kakadu plum, ylang-ylang flowers and lemon myrtle,” said founder Sinead Vandenbroek.
If that doesn’t inspire you to squeeze some Kakadu plum into your skincare routine, free shipping and Afterpay might.
Gammin Threads
Gammin Threads was founded by Tahnee Edwards, a proud descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung and Mutti Mutti nations. She describes it as her side hustle and creative outlet from her full-time job at an Aboriginal family violence prevention service.
“I feel like some Australians who don’t know any blackfellas have this idea in their head of who we are, and what we look like, but we’re an incredible diverse group of people with different lived experiences,” said Tahnee.
“We’re more than beautiful dot paintings and being good at footy. That being said though, a lot of us do have skinny ankles and we love Keens curry.”
Wurrumay Collective
Owned by proud Gamilaraay woman Natasha Kaiser (née Budda-Deen) from the Gomeroi tribe, Wurrumay Collective sells a range of gorgeous handmade homewares, skincare, art and accessories.
It’s the only place I’ve ever seen an Aboriginal flag bath bomb — which is incredibly cool and immediately going into my cart. They’ve also got acknowledgement of country candles and an entire range of waste-free bath and body products.
Wurrumay Collective also stock essential oils and aromatherapy products from Earth Jinda, formerly known as Earth Blended.
“Support and get behind small Indigenous businesses,” Earth Jinda founder Jame Telfer said.
“It gives back to our communities. It’s investing in our communities.
“It’s empowering and provides self-determination for our young ones coming through to rise up in this space and become leaders and business owners themselves.”
Tash has highlighted a heap of her own fave Indigenous-owned businesses to buy from this NAIDOC Week (and all the time) so have a squiz and get spending.
Molly Hunt
Molly Hunt is a Yolngu and Balanggarra illustrator. Along with selling prints and apparel, she’s worked with Triple J and created an illustration for the Hottest 100 of the Decade.
(She also has a ripper Instagram handle, @mollyhuntforfood.)
Liandra Swim
Liandra Swim offers ethically and sustainably made limited edition signature print swimwear. That’s a mouthful. Liandra herself words it better:
“Our fabrics are made from regenerated plastics from the ocean,” she said.
“Our goal is to really shed a light on the great things Indigenous women are doing, not just in our country but around the world.”
Lakkari Art
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXnR4Mhs8L/?hl=en
Lakkari Pitt is a proud Gamilaroi yinarr artist from Walgett. She lives in Sydney and creates originals, prints, digital designs and commissioned pieces.
“My art explores the movement, essence and stories of country,” Lakkari said.
“It’s a contemporary take on the knowledge that my elders have passed down to me.”
You can watch a few of these incredible, creative First Nations women explain their businesses in their own words below.
