The Online Marketplace That Supports Indigenous Communities

This post is brought to you in partnership with Yarn.

Look, it’s November and most of us are looking to write 2020 off, so I think is time to start talking about New Year’s resolutions.

Other than the usual exercise more and eat less chocolate, in 2021 I want to shop consciously. I want to know that the purchases that I am making are helping a small business, or even better supporting a community. If you are looking to do the same then let me introduce you to Yarn, the clothing company that supports Indigenous communities.

Yarn recognises our First Nation people’s inherent wisdom and want to provide a platform so that all Australians can learn from this knowledge and wisdom while also developing an appreciation of Indigenous art.

Although Yarn itself is a non-Indigenous owned business, they collaborate with Indigenous Artists and provide support to the Indigenous community. Over the last three years, Yarn has directed a massive $1.5 million to Indigenous employment and training, artists, models, sponsorships, and direct community funding.

How did they do this, you ask?

Yarn sell the most incredible clothing and accessories featuring stunning Indigenous artwork. It is important to Yarn that the Indigenous artists that they work with feel empowered by the collaboration and know that their unique story is being shared. As a customer you can learn all about the story and the artist on the Yarn site before you purchase the product.

This beautiful blouse showcases the artwork of Holly Sanders, Aboriginal Bundjalung woman who wants to share her stories, culture and Country with the world in a contemporary way. She is inspired by the patterns of Saltwater Country to tell stories of the past and uses colours and patterns to reflect her connection to Country.

Who Benefits?

When you shop at Yarn you are not just getting a gorgeous, quality item of clothing, you are also gaining an appreciation and an understanding of Indigenous art and culture. The artwork and designs used in the Yarn range are purchased directly from Indigenous artists placing the artist in control of compensation.

Yarn also strives to provide support to the Indigenous community through employment and training in all areas of their business from development, to production, through to dispatch and then modelling.

Sponsorship of Community Events & Festivals

Yarn launched at the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival in 2011. The festival takes place in Laura which is a central meeting place of important cultural significance in the Cape Peninsula. Performers from Aurukun, Bamaga, Coen, the Torres Strait Islands and many more come to the festival to celebrate their culture through the sharing of their stories, dance, music and art. Ever since 2012, Yarn have sponsored this joyous celebration of Indigenous culture and are now the providers of marketing support and an eCommerce platform used that is used for ticketing.

Another cultural significant event that Yarn sponsor is the Quandamooka or Wynnum Festival. Held in the Redlands Region near Brisbane, the Quandamooka Festival celebrates culture, country and people with over fifty events including cultural tours, workshop, traditional song, dance and music performances, Welcome to Country smoking ceremonies, storytelling and poetry and outdoor film nights just to name a few.

Clothing & Accessories

As well as featuring a beautiful and diverse range of Indigenous artwork, some of Yarn’s collections feature ethically and sustainably sourced materials. A huge variety of styles are available on the website, whether you are looking for an outfit to workout in, a warm hoody, a fishing shirt a stunning blouse to wow your co-workers with or face mask Yarn has something for every occasion.

Art has brought people together for centuries, it is a unique way for cultures to share their stories with one another in a mutually accessible way. Through fashion, Yarn is providing a platform to share the art, stories and experiences of our First Nation’s people.

“We believe in sharing our platform, resources, and connection into the community, to generate a wider audience and louder voice for the First Nations people. Our goal is to create positive conversations through art and fashion.” Yarn.