To truly relate to another person, it’s useful to understand a bit about their culture. This means that for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to come together for a better future, it’s important for all Australians to learn about Indigenous culture, as well as becoming more aware of our own.
Learning about Indigenous culture and valuing and celebrating it in our mainstream society is one way we can begin to address the challenges we see today. As we learn about Indigenous culture, we can begin to relate to each other better, recognise the cultural history of this land and value the ongoing, rich cultural legacy of this place we call home.
Scroll below for our favourite Indigenous businesses that you can support, Fairies!
Contemporary artist Holly Sanders is a proud Bundjalung woman living on Yuin Country on the south coast of NSW. Her art shares her stories, culture and Country. The patterns of Saltwater Country motivate her, as do stories from the past. Holly is also a classroom teacher and is passionate about Aboriginal education and being a strong advocate for her people and community.
Bundarra works closely with Indigenous artists from all over Australia, helping to bring their stories to the products we all love and wear.
Jarin Street yoga mat designs are 100% authentic Aboriginal art featured on the highest quality yoga mats. They aim to provide ongoing ethical and sustainable support to the artists who contribute their work, and will soon be producing Active Wear and Fashion Garments!
Lara’s passion for art and creating has been with her since she can remember, however it wasn’t until 2014 when her daughter Lola was born that her passion finally became a reality. Yukul Art was born from Lara’s vision to want to create and share her culture all while being a full time mumma.
In 2014 Yukul Art started out in a small nook of Lara’s family home, it then progressed into her garage where she started her first little artist classes. Over the past few years Lara has grown her business from that tiny nook to her very own art studio in her hometown of Forster, NSW, Worimi Country.
Indigenous Clothing Co. was established in 2012 with the goal to bring our beautiful Aboriginal Artwork to the doors of those who wish to celebrate our incredible history by working with Award Winning artists, and collaborating with brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Burberry, Ralph Lauren and many more.
The Aboriginal Contemporary gallery opened its doors almost ten years ago in Bronte, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Today, Aboriginal Contemporary has an enviable reputation for quality, service and ethical trading; not just with our customers but with the art centres from whom we source our work.
This is in no small part due to owner Nichola Dare’s regular trips to some of the most remote parts of Australia and her ability to build relationships with art centres and artists, based on mutual trust and respect. Nichola’s time in Australia’s Western Desert, The Kimberley, APY Lands and Arnhem Land has also given her a deep understanding of the country and culture at the heart of the art we sell.
These unique relationships mean our gallery can often source artwork otherwise unavailable to private buyers; coupled with Nichola’s exquisite eye, they have made Aboriginal Contemporary a go-to destination for both local and international art lovers.
Lyn-Al Young is a 23 year old Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta fashion designer and artist living in Melbourne. Lyn-Al understands the importance of respect and cultural integrity and her responsibilities to her family during her creative design process. Each piece she creates is founded on the tree carvings and symbolic markings, waterways, totems/animal life, and landscapes of her four ancestral lands.
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts is a living, growing art centre celebrating the uniqueness of Miriwoong cultural identity. Established in the late 1970’s, in the heart of Miriwoong country in the Kimberley region of NT, Waringarri artists share the importance of their Country and Culture.
Scott is an Aboriginal artist of Wiradjuri decent creating rich indigenous inspired paintings that all come with a personalised story. Check out his amazing Instagram page!
Digital Content Coordinator: Zoe Kanlis
Featured Image: Lyn-Al
