When Non-Indigenous Companies Make Aboriginal Resources

Early Childhood Educators are constantly on the hunt for resources that will support them in embedding Indigenous perspectives in their program. However, many find it difficult to work out what is authentic and what is ‘gammin’ (fake).

The best place to buy Aboriginal resources are from Indigenous businesses. This ensures that you are directly supporting Indigenous businesses, families and communities. However, many educators don’t know how to find this information.

Tip:

• Follow Trading Blak on Instagram
• Become a member of supply nation
• Attend local Indigenous community events during NAIDOC or Reconciliation week to meet Aboriginal entrepreneurs and artists.

Some non-Indigenous companies who create or resell cultural products do so ethically. When we are researching a business we look for the following to determine whether or not they are ethical and have integrity:

• Are they a member of the Indigenous Arts Code or Aboriginal Arts Association?
• Are they upfront about being non-Indigenous?
• Have they sought permission to create Indigenous resources?
• Did they seek consultation during the development process?
• Do they give back to community?
• Are they invested in up-skilling Indigenous youth?
• Are they seeking to profit off a culture that is not their own without showing reciprocity or respect for community.

The main issues that arise when non- Indigenous companies create cultural resources without following correct protocols are:

• They compete and take away income from Indigenous business owners
• They bastardise the culture
• They share incorrect and inappropriate information
• They produce fake art

Tip: Before buying a product from a non-Indigenous company please check to see if Indigenous mob are creating it already.

Here are some of my favourite places to buy resources from by Indigenous mob:

• Koori Curriculum
• Cultural Inclusions
• Yarn Strong Sista
• GirriGirra
• Riley Callie Resources
• Magabla Books
• Dream on by Garry Purchase
• 5 Little Bears
• Barka Arts
• I Am Movement
• Milan Dhiiyan

Please do your research before procuring resources to ensure that you are not feeding those that seek to profit off a culture that is not their own. Doing due diligence is what allows you to stand behind your program with integrity.