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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Jalen’s (Darumbal) message is powerful: young mob don’t have to fit into the narrow paths that have been laid out for them.
University, dance, sport, community, culture, creativity, there are so many ways to lead, grow and build a future on your own terms. ❤️💛🖤
Applications open September 18!
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #powerful
Donny (Jaru) remembers that first Fullaship intensive in Naarm, meeting everyone for the first time and immediately feeling a sense of warmth, connection and belonging with the group, staff and other Fullaship members. ❤️💛🖤
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #connection
Caleb (Meriam Mir, Erub Kebi Le) joined Fullaship to build their skills ❤️💛🖤
What they didn’t expect was how much it would grow their confidence, support their mental health and change the way they moved through the world.
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnationsyouth #youngmob #firstnationsleadership
Bek (Wakaya) talks about why she applied for the Fullaship program.
Applications open September 18!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#fullaship #cultureislife #firstnations #youngmob #youthprograms
From the very beginning of Culture is Life’s existence Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman - and our co-founder - Belinda Duarte has been there.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve in every discussion, with everyone she meets, there is never any doubt that her life is all about making sure that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are safe, thriving and know who they are.
She has shaped our every direction, taken us to where we are but the time has come for her to step away. After 10 years of tireless advocacy and transformational work, Belinda has made the big decision to step back.
The whole Culture is Life family have been inspired by Belinda’s unshakeable desire to see First Nations people thriving. She will leave big shoes to fill but we know that the foundations have been laid for us to keep doing our great work for years and years to come.
The team at Culture is Life
#cultureislife #firstnations #indigenousleadership #blakexcellence #thankyou
The wait is over…we are very excited for Fullaship 2027!
We’ve been busy refreshing the program design and we’re more than ready to work with another deadly group of young First Nations people next year ❤️💛🖤
Keep your eyes out for applications opening in September 👀
Earlier this year we wrapped up the 2025/26 Fullaship Program.
Coming soon we have some exciting news to share about the program.
Keep an eye out! 👀
Culture is Life would like to acknowledge two special people in our network who have both been recognised and nominated as finalists for this year’s National NAIDOC awards. Aunty Steph Armstrong (Gamilaraay/Bigambul) and 2025 Fellow Tyson Neal-Edwards (Gunditjmarra/Waddawurrung/Arrernte).
We are so proud of you both, your hard work and dedication has been amazing to witness first-hand.
With love,
Culture is Life
🤎
@stephanie.armstrong.7543 @kngwarrayee
