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
Sign up for our newsletter
One of the core pillars of Fullaship is Self-determination. 🖤💛❤️
Young First Nations people uncover their purpose and build on their strengths and gifts, contributing to the collective movement for First Nations self-determination.
It’s about knowing who you are, recognising what you bring, and using that strength to help shape the future.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob SelfDeterimination
Maya (Lardil) joined Fullaship at a time when she was feeling disconnected from her city, from community and from mob around the country.
She wanted to reconnect with like-minded young people, feel inspired again and rebuild her confidence with warmth, love and support around her. 🖤💛❤️
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob inspiration
Leyla (Ballardong Noongar) reflects on how Fullaship helped grow her confidence through the support of the Culture is Life team and the other Fellows. 🖤💛❤️
For Leyla, it was about having people around her who would back her, remind her how deadly she is, and also keep her grounded along the way.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob confidence
Lillian (Dharug & Kamiliroi) reflects on how Fullaship led her to question the way Aboriginal people are supported to learn, especially in counselling and therapeutic spaces. 🖤💛❤️
For her, learning can look different: having yarns on Country, being in beautiful spaces, and learning alongside Aboriginal people and community.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob #learning
Fullaship 2023 throwback! 🖤💛❤️
The 2023 Fellows headed to the coastal serenity of Nipaluna/Hobart for their final Fullaship intensive.
The week included ceremony and storytelling on the beach, day tour of Bruny Island, hiking up Kunyani/Mt Wellington, tasting mutton bird and a music night full of joy and laughter. All whilst spending precious time together before they wrapped up their Fullaship journey.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #Nipaluna TBT
One of the core pillars of Fullaship is Cultural Values. 🖤💛❤️
Young First Nations people strengthen their cultural identity by identifying, practising and reflecting on the cultural values that shape who they are, individually and collectively.
It’s about staying connected to culture, community and Country while growing into the person and leader you want to be.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob CulturalValues
Jalen (Darumbal) reflects on one of the biggest things he took away from Fullaship, the relationships. 🖤💛❤
For him, it was about meeting new people, building strong connections and creating a real
sense of family within the group.
Those relationships have been one of the most special parts of the experience.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob #family
Uncle Len Collard took the Fellows to Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, where Donny (Jaru) reflected on the importance of reconnecting with Country, even in places that hold painful histories. 🖤💛❤️
After a yarn with Uncle Len, he speaks about honouring the presence of mob who came before, walking those places with family and finding a sense of connection, peace and remembrance.
Applications are now open!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#Fullaship #CultureIsLife #FirstNationsYouth #YoungMob #painfulhistories
