Celebrating First Nations Creativity

As this day comes around once again [26th January], I want to take a moment to acknowledge the ongoing strength, resilience and creativity of First Nations peoples.

At simétrie, I believe allyship is not something that happens only when it is comfortable or convenient. It requires listening, learning, and showing up with intention ~ consistently and over time.

I am fortunate to have built a platform, and with that comes responsibility. A few years ago, I created a page listing BIPOC individuals and businesses to support and amplify, and over time, I aim to slowly add to it so it can serve as a resource for discovering and supporting BIPOC-led work. I have also included a variety of organisations that provide funding, legal aid, and advocacy against the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.

This is a living, permanent resource ~ one that I will continue to grow and update over time. It features businesses run by First Nations creatives whose work I admire deeply, including some I have had the privilege of working with firsthand.

My hope is that this space makes it easier for you to discover, support, and engage with their work directly, and that it contributes meaningfully to greater visibility, recognition, and respect.

We each have the capacity to make considered choices about where and with whom we spend our time and resources. Below are some incredible BIPOC designers, business owners, artists and organisations that deserve our love and attention. 

Fashion & accessories

Photo: EB Studio

EB Studio ~ EB Studio is a jewellery and art brand led by Ebony Birks, a designer, sculptor and artist with Kamilaroi and Dunghutti heritage. The label creates contemporary jewellery and art pieces that are deeply informed by culture, connection to Country and the natural world.

Lulu Jaru ~ LULUJARU is an Indigenous-owned fashion and creative label based in Kununurra, Kimberley, Western Australia. The brand centres culture, storytelling, community impact and connection to Country through clothing and creative products.

Jaru Girl / Milky Water Western ~ Jaru Girl is an Indigenous-led fashion and art brand celebrating Aboriginal culture, heritage and identity through clothing founded by Bianca and Jaydene Long. The brand blends traditional cultural inspiration with contemporary design. 

The Milky Water collection is a western-inspired clothing range grounded in the Bianca and Jaydehes deep cultural connection to their grandfather’s Country along Sturt Creek in the Kimberley region. It blends meaningful storytelling with fashion, reflecting landscape, seasonal changes, plants and cultural memory through wearable prints.

Marninjarra ~ Marninjarra is a fashion and design label created by Joycelyn McCarthy, a proud Walmajarri woman from the Fitzroy Valley in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Her brand expresses deep cultural identity, connection to Country and storytelling through clothing and accessories. Designs are deeply rooted in place and cultural memory, with each pattern and colour being a reflection of Country, wildlife and community stories.

Photo: Gammin Threads

Gammin Threads ~ a fashion brand born from a love of typography, language and Indigenous heritage. Gammin Threads was founded by Tahnee, a proud descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung & Mutti Mutti nations. View the colourful & empowering tees here.

Haus of Dizzy ~ Indigenous Australian jewellery designer, kristy Dickinson, is the queen of bling. Check out here cool statement pieces here.

Deadly Denim ~ hand-painted denim goods that celebrate Indigenous art. View the denim collection here. 

Marnin Studio ~ is an Indigenous Australian social enterprise producing artisan homewares, gifts, and textiles. Check out their collection here.

Artists

Photo: Penny Evans

Penny Evans ~ Aborigional artist who celebrates her Gamilaraay Aboriginal cultural heritage through ceramics, collage, prints and film. View her artworks here.

Jasmine Coe ~ Aborigional artist who celebrates the natural world through her art and silk collections. Discover more about her art here.

Kyah Nimue ~ an Aborigional artists who connects and grows through her art, photography and storytelling whilst creating on Gabbi Gabbi land. View her collection here.

Emma Hollingsworth ~ an Australian Indigenous artist sharing her story and culture through the magic of art. View her collection here.

Naomi Hobson ~ North Queensland artist living in Coen, a remote Cape York Indigenous community in Australia. View her collection here. 

Voices

Photo: Aretha Brown

Aretha Brown ~ Aboriginal activist and artist. Visit her Youtube channel here.

Meyne Wyatt ~ Aboriginal actor and activist. Check out his Instagram here.

Dixie Crawford ~ Barkindji woman, strategist, speaker, coach and equity advocate. Check out her events here.

Organisations to support

Below are a handful of incredible organisations who support Australia’s Aborigional communities with the much needed tools and resources to combat systemic racism within and external to the Australian legal system. 

The Torch ~ a nonprofit providing art and culture programs to First Nations people who've been incarcerated.

Deadly Connections ~ working to break intergenerational cycles of disadvantage and harm.

Children’s Ground ~ an organisation led by Aboriginal communities for the future of Indigenous children.

Sisters Inside Bail Fund ~ advocating for the human rights of women and girls in prison.

Bridging the Gap ~ foundation for Indigenous health and education.

Healing Foundation ~ supporting stolen generations, survivors, families and communities.

Justice for David Dungay Junior ~ fighting for justice in regards to David Dungay Junior's death in custody. 

Other educational resources - read more here.