NAIDOC WEEK
A list of First Nations people, brands and content to read, watch, know.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all people and in particular Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. This country has a painful and difficult history with our Indigenous people and there’s a lot of work to be done to heal and reconcile our past so as to better empower our First Nations people to have their voices heard and their futures secured.
As a proud Indigenous woman, I’m honoured to work with and be surrounded by so many inspiring First Nations creatives, businesses and organisations that represent our people in their lives and their work.
For me, NAIDOC week shouldn't be the only time that we engage with and support our First Nations people. Instead it should be a reminder of an ongoing commitment to support and celebrate the voices of Indigenous people, their stories, dreams and successes.
When you work with, know, support and surround yourself with First Nations People, you help to close the gap between white privilege and First Nations people. By listening to the voices of our people and reckoning with the past atrocities that were once set on erasing our culture, language, knowledge, families, talent and stories we can begin to authentically champion the Blak excellence that our Indigenous Australians have to offer.
Here is just a short list of some of my favourite, people, businesses, entertainers and knowledge keepers to support this NAIDOC week and always.
Watch—
Mabo — I recently watched this documentary about Eddie Mabo and his fight for the land rights and autonomy of his people in North Queensland. A powerful story of a man who fought for the rights of Aboriginal people as the Traditional Custodians of their land.
Barkaa: We Up — If you haven’t yet heard of or listened to Barkaa, you’ve been missing out. Her music is fun, powerful and speaks to the power of the Blak Matriarchy. She’s also great live and would highly recommend.
Sherry-Lee Watson, HeartBreak High — In 2022 I interviewed Sherry-Lee who played Missy in HeartBreak High and is a a strong voice, advocate and talented actor. She shared her insights and experience of being a Blak woman in the world.
We’re Still Here — A First Nations anthology film that opened the 2022 Sydney Film Festival and premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival. A film that interweaves eight powerful tales, written and directed by Indigenous filmmakers from Australia, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the Pacific to tell a sweeping story of hope and survival. Watch it on Netflix
ABC Indigenous— Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud video with some of our greatest creators and advocates and their take on this years NAIDOC week theme ‘Keep The Fire Burning.’
Get to know—
We Are Warriors — I was lucky enough to work alongside the founder of We Are Warriors, Nookie at the Blak Powerhouse January 26th event earlier this year. These guys do amazing work in mentoring and supporting young Indigenous people and showcasing First Nations role models. Highly recommend following the amazing work they do and if you can get involved.
Our Songlines— My good friend Kayla started her business a few years ago now. We met through a startup accelerator program I was a mentor for and I have loved following her work ever since. A great resource for keeping up to date on Indigenous topics, educating yourself and finding ways to support and advocate for First Nations people.
Learn—
Ngarrimili: Ripple Effect—I did some workshops with these guys earlier this year to support First Nations businesses. They also invest in researching and documenting the positive impacts of empowering Indigenous lead businesses and the ripple effect it has in our communities. Highly recommend checking out their work.
Common Ground— Another great resource of up to date information on what’s happening in Indigenous spaces, how you can support and educate yourself to contribute to the preservation of First Nations culture.
Australian Wars — If you haven’t already watched this series by a hero of mine, Rachel Perkins, start ASAP. It’s a very real and factual account of what really happened when the first fleet arrived on the shores of Australia and how colonisation began and the response of the Aboriginal people.
Read—
Restoring The Kinship Worldview — This book changed my life. It features stories and knowledge from First Nations people from around the world and offers insights into what we can learn from traditional ways of living to make the world a better place.
Tyson Yunkaporta —Right Story, Wrong Story & Sand Talk — I’m obsessed with Tyson’s work and was luckily enough to meet him at Purpose Conference last year. His knowledge and stories are raw, funny and incredibly insightful. He shares the history and wisdom of Aboriginal people in a practical and entertaining way.
Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia — My good friend and sister gal Aaliyah Jade Bradbury contributed a beautiful chapter in this recently released book.
Tell Me Why by Archie Roach —Known as a famous musician in Australia but Archie’s story is much more heartbreaking yet inspiring. He was a part of the stolen generation, lived on the streets of Sydney, homeless and then made his way to the world stage. His story shows the strength and resilience of our people and is profoundly moving.
Follow—
Matty Mills — Popular TV presenter, content creator, podcast and beautiful human being. I’m a big fan of Marty’s work and his content is always fun and inspires me to dance and exercise more.
Janelle Burger — Artist who recently collaborated with Apple on their NAIDOC week artwork and also worked with We Are Warriors on their NYE fireworks projections on the Sydney opera house.
Tony Albert - artist who recently collaborated with WAH-WAH on this cool jumper collab.
House of Darwin — a social enterprise clothing company that reinvests its profits back into social programs in remote Indigenous communities around the Territory.
Jordan Gogos— artist and fashion designer making waves in the modern and cultural scene.
Work With—
Cause/Affect Graphic Design Studio—Indigenous owned and run design agency
IndigenousX—elevating First Nations voices, perspectives and credible research and is 100% Indigenous owned and operated media, consultancy, and training organisation
Buy—
Indigiverse Comics— As a big Marvel fan, I recently came across these guys and bought their comic books for my future kids. I love that they have created First Nations superhero’s based on traditional knowledge systems and Dreamtime stories.
Magabala Books — Australia’s leading Indigenous publishing house. Aboriginal owned and led, we celebrate and nurture the talent and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Listen—
Soju Gang — DJ and creative, check out her Boiler Room set, was such a vibe.
Budjerah —ARIA nominated artist whose makes beautiful music
Miss Kaninna — She’s often on repeat in our house. Fun dance music with strong messages that ooze Blak excellence. My personal favourite is Blak Britney!
Happy NAIDOC week all.
K