About The Artist
The talent behind the artwork is Alkina Edwards, a young Aboriginal artist living on Yorta Yorta Country and the creative behind Alkina’s Creations. She is inspired by the stories passed down from her family, community and Country.
Her artwork honours her proud matriarchal connections to Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi and Wiradjuri tribes; as well as her father’s connections and all the men and women who shape her journey.
Alkina pictured with her Mother and Aunties on Yorta Yorta country.
Winyarr means ‘Aboriginal woman/women’ in Yorta Yorta Language. The artwork in the Winyarr Collection depicts a group of women along the sacred Dungala (Murray River), linking arms to represent the Aboriginal women that have been here for thousands of years and are still here today.
Alkina honours the long line of strong black women she comes from and hopes that all women feel this sense of pride walking in these shoes.
By purchasing a pair of shoes from the Winyarr Collection, you are investing in programs and initiatives that support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s futures, with a percentage of profits going back to Culture is Life’s programming.
Visit the Wittner website to purchase from January 18th and find out more about Alkina and the journey of the Winyarr Collection.
The Quendra Winyarr Print Leather Pointed Toe Pump.
The Collection
Explore the collection | Discover the story | Watch the film
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📢 UPDATE! Fullaship Elevation! ✨
We’re taking a strategic pause on Fullaship for 2026.
Why? Because over four incredible years, we’ve gathered so much wisdom and feedback from young mob across the continent. 🖤💛❤️ We value these insights deeply and want to take the time to reflect on all the amazing energy and ideas you’ve shared. 💭⚡
This pause means we will not be recruiting new Fellows this year and instead, can refine and elevate Fullaship, making it the absolute best it can be. 🚀
In the meantime, we’ll be strengthening our connections with our incredible Alumni network and will have other opportunities to connect with Culture is Life throughout the year. 🌿✨
Stay connected, stay deadly, and get ready for a next-level Fullaship in 2027! 🔥 We’re excited for what’s to come, and we hope you’ll keep in touch. 🙌🏽
Our stance on Jan 26 is clear. This is still a Day of Mourning for us as our Elders first declared in 1938.
We have advocated for ten years since our beginning to change the date and we continue to stand with the growing tide of mob and allies calling for change. 💪🏽💪🏼
We support the many mob-led acts of resistance, love and connection happening across the country on Monday. 🖤💛❤️
As Jan 26 draws nearer, we’re inspired by this insight from our Fullaship Alumni, Shaylem.
Wellbeing Tips for Survival Day 🖤💛❤️
✨ Listen to your mind, body, murrup (spirit) and Country, remember the things that help you feel well.
🫶🏽 Seek out safe spaces and surround yourself with people you love.
📵 It’s okay to opt out of social media, rallies, and actions if you don’t feel up to it.
📞 Reach out for support if you need it - 13YARN (13 92 76)
As we wrap up a huge year and the tenth year of our existence 🎉 our gratitude goes out to communities across this continent who continue to support First Nations young people 🤝🏾🌏
Despite the devastating negative statistics we are so often reminded of we know that young mob, with the right support, can thrive and flourish strong in knowing who they are, where they come from and who they are connected to 🖤💛❤️
We continue to be inspired by the hopes and dreams they carry for our shared future ✨
Here are just a few of the many highlights from our year 👇🏾🎬
#cultureislife #firstnations #blakexcellence #youngmob #alwayswasalwayswillbe
“Our ways are not just better for working with our mob, they’re just better. They’re more human ways of working.” ✨
In December, Genevieve Grieves (Worimi) from GARUWA and Shifting Ground presented to the 2025 Fellows on her journey and lived experience navigating institutions 🧭🏛️
Genevieve shared powerful advice and deep insights into how systems really operate ⚙️💡, while highlighting the importance of having strong community around you 🤝🏾🌿
#cultureislife #firstnations #blakexcellence #indigenousleadership #communityfirst
In November 2025, Fellow Tyson Neal Edwards (Waddawurrung, Gunditjmara & Arrernte) shared powerful insights with his peers about the work he and his team led during the Gariwerd (Grampians National Park) fires 🔥🌿
Their leadership in forest fire management, cultural heritage protection and disaster recovery has since been recognised nationally 👏🏽🏆
Big shoutout to Tyson and the incredible work he continues to do. We loved hearing the passion and care you bring to protecting Country 🖤💛❤️
Victoria’s Treaty is here! Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to make the first Treaty with First Peoples in this country a reality. First People’s Assembly of Victoria has organised a celebration in Naarm to officially mark the new Treaty era. It’s a moment for everyone who calls Victoria home to reflect on this long journey and celebrate! 🖤💛❤️
We’re still recovering from the heat wave ☀️💺 but absolutely buzzing after our week on Larrakia Country.
So many thought-provoking convos, deep learnings, and moments that’ll stay with us for a long time.
Huge shoutout to the 2025 Fellows for showing up with heart, courage and curiosity, and to everyone we connected with along the way.
Community, culture and Country… that’s the real magic. ✨
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #larrakiacountry
