Shake a leg and your coin purse and show up for Blak businesses this Christmas. Indigenous X has put together a gift guide of Ally-friendly Blak-owned businesses you can support this Festivus. We've got everything for everyone with gift ideas ranging from trackies to tattoos, and it's all Blak owned and will have you and your mob looking Deadly!
‘Tis the season to lean into consumerism and deck the halls with jolly, rosy cheeked white men dressed in velvety red muumuus. The festive season is upon us again and now is a better time than any to support First Nations businesses and spread cheer and deadliness with mob, allies, and your racist cousin. There is a Big Blak and Deadly present for everyone this year!
Buying Blak this Festivus won’t only make you look like the deadliest fulla in your crew but will also help support First Nations communities, artists and families and contribute to bridging the generational wealth gap. First Nations peoples only gained autonomy over their financial welfare in 1968, when the Aboriginal Welfare Board was abolished, and in 2021 we can actively contribute to change by buying Blak. Supporting First Nations businesses today is one of many ways people can generate wealth into a community that was denied fair wages and financial autonomy for decades.
Until the late 60s Aboriginal people were not allowed to own land and were slaves. Therefore we missed out on inter generational wealth. Now, white people get hired easier and promoted faster because of skin colour. Everybody knows this.
That being said, it can be tricky to find First Nations products online that financially benefit First Nations peoples. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as ‘Business Blak Face’, where non-Indigenous businesses sell products and use wording that seems as though they are either First Nations owned or are in partnership with First Nations peoples. Trading Blak is a useful online resource for mob, consumers, allies and First Nations business owners to come together, uplift, support and buy Blak.
There are a lot of incredible First Nations businesses online and across the country, here is just a glimpse of the wonderful work First Nations peoples are doing in the small business space. Buy Blak and Happy Shopping!
Clothing The Gaps is a majority First Nations owned fashion brand based in Naarm (Melbourne). They advocate for people to ‘wear your values’ and a lot of their merch is centred around the ‘Free the Flag’ movement which protests the copyright of the Aboriginal Flag. They stock shirts, jumpers, shorts, totes, hats and accessories. Clothing The Gaps is certified as a Victorian Aboriginal business with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Victoria and certified as an Aboriginal business with Supply Nation. They also hold an Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation.
Nungala Creative is 100% First Nations owned and established by proud Warumungu / Wombaya woman Jessica Johnson. Nungala Creative has collaborated with Sydney Mardi Gras and Instagram spreading bright colours, funky designs and deadly products across the country and online. You can grab some deadly pins, stickers, prints, shirts and more.
Deadly Pick: Nungala Creative Shit C#nt Framed Digital Art Print from $90
Jarin Street is a First Nations owned athleticwear brand established by Wiradjuri woman Jarin Baignet and in collaboration First Nations artists, Ella Gillespie, Joanne Cassady, and Liz Maloney. Jarin Street is an online store but has recently been the first First Nations business to operate a storefront at a Westfields shopping centre. Jari Street x Trading Blak is located on Guringai Country in Warringah Westfields Mall.
Deadly Pick:High quality eco-friendly high stick suede finish mat featuring artwork by Gamilaroi artist Liz Maloney.
Indigiearth is a 100% First Nations owned business established by Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman. Indigiearth are all about educating and celebrating Australian Native ingredients. They stock spice blends, skincare, essential oils, coffee and chocolate, they also offer a Warakirri Dining Experience. Indigiearth are located on Wiradjuri Country in Mudgee, but you can also purchase their extensive range of products online.
Deadly Pick: Wattleseed Infused Coffee 250g from $18
Gammin threads is a 100% First Nations owned fashion brand, and is the creative brainchild of Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung & Mutti Mutti woman, Tahnee. Gammin Threads sells fun, colourful and sassy t-shirts, totes and accessories and also has a few things to pimp your ride. The website has curated collections to fit every aesthetic and a gift guide for presents under $50. Gammin Threads is based out of Naarm (Melbourne).
Something original is a First Nations and veteran owned tattoo shop based on Gadigal Country in Inner West Sydney. It is a permanent and perfect gift for your fellow inkhead. Something Original has Baarka and Baker Boy pumping through the speakers, chill staff and friendly dogs. The shop is run and owned by Kamilaroi man and retired veteran, @Mat_Fink. They also sell merch both instore and online.
Deadly Pick: tee design by resident artist Ashley Cairns
Aiesha Saunders is a Biripi woman from mid-North Coast NSW but was born and raised in Sydney on Gadi country. Aiesha has worked within the arts and cultural sector for a decade as a First Nations journalist, content creator, researcher, and curator. Aiesha's work focuses on truth-telling, decolonising, and the intertwining of colonial and First Nations histories in and around Warrane (Sydney).
Pablo Escobar said, “everyone has a price, the important thing is to find out what it is”. Ben Wooster and Semele Moore, of newly founded WAM Clothing, asked the question of Aboriginal Flag designer Uncle Harold Thomas. The result was the non-Indigenous duo receiving a worldwide exclusive licence for the Aboriginal Flag on clothing.
No better time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be in business
The number of Indigenous businesses is growing by about 23% per year – which is almost four times higher growth than businesses owned by non-Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous business is at the forefront of change and innovation in Australia. Indigenous vision and entrepreneurship give our people the power to enrich our culture for ourselves and share it with the world.
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Deadly Pick: Wattleseed Infused Coffee 250g from $18
