Nurturing Culture, Championing Enterprise
As NAIDOC Week 2025 continues, we are all invited to pause and reflect on the enduring impact of events that have shaped—and at times marginalised—Aboriginal peoples. This year’s theme resonates deeply, calling us to acknowledge past hardships and stereotypes while embracing a future grounded in vision, strength, and mutual respect. Central to this vision is uplifting the voices and creative spirits of Aboriginal communities, particularly their youth, whose stories continue to inspire and enrich our shared narrative.
Navigating the Stars with Indigenous Astronomy
This NAIDOC Week, The Fair Trader is immensely proud to sponsor the “Indigenous Astronomy in the Space Age” event. In celebration, we supported the conference delegates with journals along with offering a special raffle prize, each inspired by the luminous artistry of Alma Granites and the legendary Seven Sisters Dreaming. This gesture reflects our desire to champion knowledge-sharing and pay tribute to the living legacy of Indigenous science and stargazing traditions. You can read more about the event here.
The Power of Art: A Living Cultural Legacy
Art is more than decoration—it is the beating heart of cultural memory and identity. My own artistic journey, shaped by time spent at institutions like GOMA in Brisbane and the National Gallery of Australia’s Emily Kame Kngwarreye retrospective, has shown me the transformative power of storytelling through art. At The Fair Trader, we are devoted to supporting artists who express the spirit of Country and community in every piece they create.
Spotlight: Coral Hayes Panaka
One of the gifted artists we are honoured to include in our range is Coral Hayes Panaka. A descendant of the Yorta Yorta people, Coral’s work celebrates the pivotal roles women have played in traditional Aboriginal life and their enduring connection to land. Her vibrant pieces honour dreaming and ancestry, weaving stories that bridge generations. Our collection includes several creations inspired by Coral’s bold vision—each a testament to the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture.
See some of our range of tableware with designs by Coral Hayes here.
Supporting Aboriginal Businesses: Empowering Communities
We believe in the power of ethical enterprise and the importance of community support. Behind every product we offer are remarkable people whose stories, heritage, and expertise shine through. These are not characters in someone else’s narrative, but real individuals whose journeys inspire us all.
Bush Medijina
Bush Medijina exists to empower First Nations women—preserving traditional knowledge, revitalizing culture, and creating sustainable livelihoods in Groote Eylandt. Their balms and moisturisers, handcrafted by Aboriginal women using wild-harvested native botanicals, promote wellbeing and celebrate the wisdom of generations. Read more on our range here.
Kakadu Organics
More than just a skincare brand, Kakadu Organics champions female entrepreneurship and creative expression across rural and remote Australia. Through business coaching and mentorship programs, they help Aboriginal women realise their potential and build thriving enterprises, weaving cultural wisdom into every product. View our range here.
Native Secrets
Cheri and Phil have developed products influenced by traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and have received awards for incorporating these elements into everyday goods.
The company uses essential oils obtained from wild-harvested Australian native plants to produce natural skincare items. Learn more about our range here.
Better World Arts
Better World Arts, like The Fair Trader, is a certified member of the Fair Traders Association of Australia.
Partnering with Aboriginal artists, Better World Arts brings together handicrafts created by artisans from various remote communities in Australia. The organisation also participates in community projects designed to support Aboriginal artists and their families. Take a look at our range here.
Why Your Choices Matter
When you choose products from Aboriginal artisans and businesses, you are doing more than purchasing beautiful, high-quality items. You are investing in culture, supporting community resilience, and helping to build a fairer, more inclusive future. Every balm, artwork, or handcrafted piece is a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary life—a story waiting to be shared.
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, let us commit to learning, listening, and uplifting the voices that sustain culture. Consider making your next purchase from an Aboriginal business. In doing so, you honour legacy, nurture vision, and help ensure these stories and traditions thrive for generations to come.
