In the days following George Floyd’s death, the worldwide response has been significant.
And in Australia, it’s been a haunting reminder of the injustice Australia’s own Indigenous population has experienced.
Self-educating, reading, listening and donating are the first steps you can take to becoming actively anti-racist; as activist Rachel Cargyle points out, “‘It’s not enough to say, “Oh, I know it’s happening and I hope it gets better,”’ she explained to InStyle. ‘It’s saying, “I see you and I feel you and I understand, and I’m going to hold myself accountable.”‘
Beauty brands across the globe have already taken action, with Glossier pledging $1 million across organisations fighting racial injustice and grants for Black-owned beauty businesses.
And where we spend our money within the beauty industry can help too. Here are some of the local Aboriginal-owned and operated beauty brands to support, not just today, but forevermore.
Bush Medijina
Bush Medijina operates from Groote Eylandt, and is governed by an all-female board, 80 per cent of which are Indigenous. More than just a brand, Bush Medijina is a program born from the desire of Warningakalina elders, in response to poor health, low school attendance and low employment in the community. The program helps to strengthen values, knowledge, culture, and community wellbeing. Bush Medijina’s lip balms, soaps, balms, body butters and hair care can all be purchased via the website.
Indigiearth
Founded by Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman from Western NSW, Indigiearth brings together the best of bush food, and bush beauty. The range offers skin care, hand soaps, candles and diffusers all made using ethically sourced and sustainably harvested ingredients.
Juddarnje Skincare
Juddarnje Skincare drew upon the nutritional and medicinal knowledge of First Australians, to create a skincare and body line that utilises ingredients such as Australian macadamia nut oil and lilly pilly. Husband and father Michael is a Bundjalung man, and the brand’s name means ‘frog’ in the dialect of the Bundjalung Nation.
Dilkara
Founder Julie is a proud Kamilaroi woman and previous salon owner, who has used her 25 years experience and Aboriginal heritage to create Dikara hair care. The range features shampoos, conditioners and styling products, all of which utilise Australian native ingredients including, Kakadu plum, quandong and eucalyptus blue gum oil.
dilkaraessenceofaustralia.com.au
Bush Balm®
Owned and operated in Alice Springs, Bush Balm® products are made from wild harvested medicinal plants expertly collected on Aboriginal Lands. The plants, Irmangka irmangka, Yawirriyawirri and Arrethe, have been used for generations to treat aches, muscle pain, joint inflammation, skin conditions and to ease cold and flu symptoms. These benefits can now be found in a range of rubs, moisturisers, soaps and lip balms, shipped worldwide (except for NZ).
Kakadu Tiny Tots
Kakadu Tiny Tots was founded originally to create quality Indigenous-based children’s clothing, and now has expanded into accessories, including candles and skincare. All products are beautifully handmade by Indigenous Australians, operating out of the Kakadu National Park.
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