In honour of NAIDOC Week I wanted to compile a few of my favourite fellow First Nations businesses, charities and movies/docos for you to check out.
This years theme for NAIDOC is 'For Our Elders' which is a reminder to all First Nations People to ensure our young people are drawing wisdom and insights from the knowledge and perspectives of our Elders. We need to ensure this is passed down for countless generations to come.
This is a chance to spend time chatting with your Elders, seeking knowledge and hearing their experiences and stories.
Charities
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation - provide culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families living in remote Communities across Australia. They also support the publishing of books written by Communities, for Communities, in languages of their choice. We have proudly been able to donate $3240 in the past 12mths to the ILF.
Healing Foundation - works with communities to create a place of safety, providing an environment for Stolen Generations members and their families to speak for themselves, tell their own stories and be in charge of their own healing.
Kari Foundation - building bright futures for Aboriginal families and young people. They work with community to create meaningful points of connection to share Aboriginal culture and achievement.
Community Spirit Foundation - provide life-changing education programs so that more First Nations young people can reach their goals and dreams through education.
Blak Businesses to Follow
@alkinascreations Adore her beautiful digital artworks
@bigi_nagala Stunning artwork. Also the artist who created the design for the compostable tape we use (stocked by Lush Mail)
@littleblackduckaus Beautiful handpainted servingware, candles, homewares and art.
@deadlydotpots Ceramic handpainted pots each with a unique story.
@cungelellaart fellow Kalkadoon sisters producing stunning artworks.
@yayeproducts Luxe bath, body and beauty products containing ethically sourced bush medicine extracts.
@raechelsaunders Dot painted earrings (I have a pair!) and other jewellery pieces.
@mararadesigns Timber engraved pieces for kids, home and family along with art burned onto hats, eskies and beautiful bags. Everytime I see one of her posts pop-up with a new product I love it!
@timani_nairanaart_ Young artist who only started to paint professionally last year. Beautiful canvas painted pieces.
@koorieprints - Kids puzzles, art prints, clothing and accessories.
@amberdays_thelabel - Aboriginal owned and designed ethical and sustainable clothing label. And a carefully curated selection of First Nation female owned businesses.
@photography_by_black_cockatoo - Breathing photography that will leave you in awe
@jessicatedim.art - Beautiful digital art creations and just an aesthetically pleasing insta (not currently active)
@salty_one_here - The most amazing large scale sand art, photography and digital art - these worlds collide with SOH
@koorietales - I am OBSESSED with Holly's art, just wow!
@deadly_denim_ - The coolest combination of Recycled Denim + First Nation artwork.
@cherneesutton - Another Kalkadoon artist tasking Australia by storm along with her siblings. You can see their artwork on jersey's, cars, packaging, backpacks etc along with amazing canvas pieces.
Movies/Docos/TV Shows
*Warning: These programs will contain images, voices and videos of deceased persons.*
Gurrumul (Doco) - Netflix / SBS (from 2.7.23 10:15pm)
'This moving documentary tells the story of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, an Aboriginal musician celebrated as one of Australia's most distinctive voices.'
My Name Is Gulpilil (Doco) - Netflix
'Celebrated actor David Gulpilil reflects on his life, including his Yolŋu upbringing, storied career, alcohol addiction and cancer diagnosis.'
Jasper Jones (Movie) - Netflix / Stan
'Set in 1960s Australia, where non-white people are often the targets of bullying and cruelty. Because he is half-Aboriginal, Jasper Jones is routinely blamed for other people's crimes and indiscretions. The townspeople of Corrigan also bully and even attack the Lu family.'
The Art of Incarceration (Doco) - Netflix
'At the Fulham Correctional Centre, incarcerated Aboriginal artists examine the cycle of imprisonment as they prepare for an upcoming exhibition.'
Bangarra's World (TV Show) - ABC
'Following the dancers and creatives during Bangarra Dance Theatre's 30th anniversary as they travel Australia; stage major dance works and show us what it's like to inhibit some of the most iconic roles in Australian dance.'
True Colours (Tv Show) - Netflix / SBS
'Aboriginal detective Toni Alma searches for a killer in the remote Aboriginal community she once called home.'
