In this NAIDOC Week Special, Ragtrader shows how the fashion industry is supporting First Nations culture and community through collaborations, events and storytelling.
Womenswear label Witchery has teamed up with advocacy group Future Women to co-present a lunch event for First Nations women.
Held during NAIDOC Week – between Sunday, July 6 to Sunday, July 13 – the lunch event took place at 1Hotel Melbourne, located by the Birrarungon on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples.
NAIDOC is a national movement that was officially established in 1975, and rooted in the 1938 Day of Mourning. The week-long celebration recognises the significant contributions of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, marks 50 years of resilience and leadership. Across the country, communities gather to celebrate through art, music, storytelling and activism.
The latest event presented by Witchery and FW follows six years of partnership between the two, which has involved hosting events that offer platforms to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
In previous years, the pair has hosted breakfast forums that engaged over 300 attendees across Naarm’s W and Sofitel stages, gala dinners, and NAIDOC celebrations.
This year’s event was hosted by Gabrielle Ebsworth, a proud Wangkumara–Barkindji woman raised on Wiradjuri Country and a celebrated AIEF alumna. Ebsworth returned as host for a second consecutive year, offering reflections asan Indigenous health and education advocate and AIEF graduate.
She introduced four First Nations leaders to take the stage and share their stories and future vision.
Proud Kamilaroi woman Abbey Wright, who was raised on Wiradjuri Country, is the learning and development coordinator at Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.
Shelley Ware, a proud Yankunytjatjara, Wirangu and Kookatha woman, is an education consultant, media presenter, former teacher, and AFL broadcaster. She is also the creator of the national NAIDOC curriculum resources.
Proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter is a commissioner for the Yoorrook Justice Commission and a recognised leader in healing and trauma-informed practice.
Meanwhile, proud Tharawal woman Renee Wootton Tomlin is the director of new market development at LanzaJet, leading sustainable aviation fuel innovation.
“At Witchery, we believe fashion is just the beginning,” Witchery head of marketing Jennifer Petropoulos said. “We’re here to support women to lead, inspire and thrive. That’s why we’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with FW, especially in honour of NAIDOC Week.
“Together, we’re amplifying the voices and leadership of First Nations women, celebrating their strength, vision and legacy as they shape the next generation.”