10 ways to #BuyIndigenous these holidays

The Indigenous-owned digital agency Ngakkan Nyaagu (NGNY) has been championing the hashtag #BuyIndigenous over this holiday season to encourage us to support our First Nations businesses.

Christmas baubles

Buying painted Christmas baubles from Dreamtime Kullilla Art are just one way you can support Indigenous businesses this year. Source: Dreamtime Kullilla Art

Co-founder of the agency Liam Ridgeway spoke to NITV about why they created the hashtag: “As a business we want to be working with and supporting other Indigenous businesses as together we form an Indigenous economy.”

As a digital agency that supports other companies through their website design and communications service, Ngakkan Nyaagu is focused on building an Indigenous digital economy that can drive opportunities and partnerships.

“This campaign reminds people that Indigenous business does exist and that there is a movement towards self-determination and economic opportunities for Indigenous people. It’s a message to our next generation that they too can own their own business.”
Liam Ridgeway said he thinks that there are a couple of good ways to get the word out about Indigenous businesses.

“Online and social media is prolific and you can send your message out to many people. Engaging with corporate Australia also allows those companies to push Indigenous businesses and partnerships through their networks and help Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses work together.”

Fashion

You only have to see some of the impressive designs from Indigenous Fashion Week to see how diverse the range of available clothing is. has a range of designs from various Far-North Queensland artists (including the killer shoes and bag below), showcases edgy and urban fashion trends, designer loves pastels and incorporating bold patterns and sells gorgeous print scarves and pocket squares by Jessica Birk and Indigenous artist Frances Belle Parker.
Indigenous Fashion
Source: UMI Arts

Jewelry

There are a number of incredible Indigenous jewelry designers drawing on their mob's totems and symbols to create one-of-a-kind designs like those produced by Etsy artist . Others prefer to incorporate the natural environment into their necklaces using jacaranda pods, gum-nuts and seeds like proud Maljangapa woman of the 'Pooncarie' Paakantj nation, .

Books

There are a number of Indigenous publishers supplying everything from children's picture books and language dictionaries through to histories and teen fiction. Check out , and for some educational stocking stuffers!

Candles

Want to bring the scent of quandong, eucalypt, desert lime or sea parsley into your home? Both and have ranges of hand-poured candles that draw on native ingredients to produce a soothing scent and give a warm glow to your house this season.

Christmas decorations

As well as stocking a massive collection of Indigenous products from Aboriginal numbers plates through to wallets, has a range of painted baubles in a variety of shapes and sizes to jazz up your tree this year.

Diaries and calendars

Need to get yourself sorted for the new year? Jukurrpa Books has you covered with their annual diary and calendar featuring stunning paintings from central Australia. This year's copy includes a Central Arrente seasonal calendar with Australian and International holidays titled Angkitja, the Eastern, Central and Western Arrernte word for "keeping information safe for the future".
Jukurrpa
Some of the beautiful Central Australian artwork showcased in Jukurrpa's 2016 Diary and Calendar. Source: IAD Press

Bush foods

If you are enjoying some of the best cuisine this summer don't forget about native bush foods! Add some zing to your home cooking this entertaining season with , , and .

Music

Support Indigenous musicians as well as Indigenous run music labels this Christmas by buying a CD from one of our talented artists.

Skincare

Keen for a bit of pampering this holiday season? has a diverse range of skincare products with soaps, masks, massage oil, creams, lotions and shaving gel. With the addition of powerful native ingredients such as Kakadu plum, lemon myrtle, wattle seed, lilly pilly and wild rosella they are sure to leave your skin feeling fresh and moisturized this summer.

Children's and baby clothes

Clothes by Indigenous designers are not just for the adults. Check out cute onesies, t-shirts, bibs, blankets and hats with stylish prints from and designs.
Baby clothes
Source: Maramali

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4 min read
Published 19 December 2016 4:28pm
By Karina Marlow


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