The deaths of George Floyd and Breonne Taylor, have galvanised in massive protests across the United States. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought the attention that our own backyard, which is not so different.
At least 432 Indigenous Australians have died in custody with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders making up 27% of the prison population despite being 2% of the population. All of this points to our dark history we have to face. But what can we do once we have rallied and educated ourselves? Well here are some Indigenous Brands you can support.
1. Bush Medijina
Bush Medijina uses local bush produce to make lip balms, soaps, body butters, and hair care which can all be purchased on their website. Bush Medijina is a program born with a purpose to support Waringakalina women and to tackle poor health, low schooling rates and preserve cultural traditions for future generations. It’s board members are all female and 80% are Indigenous.
2. Lowanna Natural Skin Care
Founded by Sinead Vandenbroek, Lowanna Skincare offers natural, vegan and cruelty free skin-care, Australian made products. It’s fully indigenous owned and uses traditional land practices to respect the land.
“We are actually only three weeks old, so it’s very early days for us. We’ve already received so much incredible support.” said Sinead in an interview with Pedestrian.
3. Indigiearth
Indigiearth is an Award Winning fully Indigenous owned business headquartered in Mudgee in Central New South Wales. It’s founded by Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman and specialises in bush food and beauty products. They’re ethically harvested and grown, using traditional land practices and have led the way in NSW Indigenous Business.
4. Gammin Threads
Gammin Threads was founded by Tahnee Edwards, who is of Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung and Mutti Mutti nations. She specialises in accessories and chill wear as well as a creative outlet for herself.
“I feel like some Australians who don’t know any black fellas have this idea in their head of who we are… but we’re an incredibly diverse group of people…,” said Tahnee in an interview with Pedestrian.
5. Dilkara
Dilkara specialises in shampoos, conditioners, hair care and hygienic products which are made by raw material suppliers from the Australian bush like Kakadu plum and eucalyptus blue gum oil. The Founder Julie is a Kamilaroi woman, who has 25 years of experience and used her Indigenous heritage and Indigenous techniques to create her hair care products.
6. Bush Balm
Bush Balm manufactures products to treat pains, joint inflammation, skin conditions and ease flu symptoms. It’s based in Alice Springs, and wild harvested medicinal plants like Irmangka irmangka and Yawirriyawirri from Indigenous Land.
7. Lakkari Pitt
Lakkari Pitt is an artist who is a proud Gamilaroi yinarr artist from Walgett, she specialises in painting, prints, digital designs and commissioned pieces. In an interview she explained how she uses the knowledge of elders to create her artwork.
“My art explores the movement, essence and stories of country,” explains Lakkari in an interview.
8. Kakadu Tiny Tots
Kakadu Tiny Tots makes Indigenous based children’s clothing along with other accessories like skin care and candles. It’s based in Kakadu National Park and is handmade by Indigenous Australians.
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