The Winyarr Collection is proof that sometimes, a shoe is more than just a shoe. Made up of five unique designs, the collection offers a way to celebrate Aboriginal culture as shareable and wearable works of art. And with 10% of proceeds going directly to Culture is Life, it will support the Aboriginal-led organisation’s purpose of supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to thrive.
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.
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 Aborginal women that have been here for thousands of years.
Culture is Life’s work ensures that young people are at the centre of everything that we do. In supporting Alkina and backing Aboriginal practices created cultural confidence. The project modelled how young people can work with big organisations like Wittner, to be inspired by what’s produced in mainstream platforms.
So much of the campaign was grounded in young First Nations women’s creative talent and cultural pride. From Alkina’s artwork to the young models, the jewellery worn, to the women behind the video as well as the project management.
Bringing community around the project was essential and so many inspirational First Nations women is proof that we are stronger together. Aboriginal led practices means close engagement with the artist’s community on Yorta Yorta Country. Our young people being a part of the process from design and creative ideas all the way to promoting and wearing the shoes at events and on socials meant that they could learn from the process and believe that others can achieve what Alkina and the team created and that we can work and create alongside non-Indigenous brands, creatives and audiences to connect with and celebrate our First People, our cultures and place together.
It’s important to us that the profits are returned to programs and initiatives that support our young women culturally and through their pathways. Our intention is to support other emerging First Nations women, to build capacity in their creative expression and be mentored through similar opportunities like Alkina embraced. Stay tuned to Culture is Life’s socials for more details!
Read More: NAIDOC: In Celebration – In Conversation
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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
