National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year and is an opportunity for everyone to take the time to learn about the shared histories, cultures, and achievements of First Nations Peoples. THE ICONIC commenced our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2020 and are committed and impassioned to take steps forward that we hope contribute towards Australia’s reconciliation with its First Nations peoples.
This year the theme of National Reconciliation Week is, “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.” We encourage you to listen to the stories that are shared, attend events that are hosted and reflect on how you can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation NSW have a wealth of resources and information and are a great place to start.
The dates of NRW commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: 27 May 1967 was the successful 1967 referendum in which Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to include Aboriginal people in the census and 3 June 1992 was the High Court Mabo decision which recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to the land.
We are committed to supporting First Nations brands at THE ICONIC and are proud to partner with a number of Indigenous-owned brands, as well as stocking products that have been produced in collaboration with Indigenous artists.
Check out the labels from kidswear to swimwear representing Australia’s First Nations' cultures and histories this National Reconciliation Week and beyond.
Indigenous Owned Businesses
Amber Days
This Aboriginal ethical children's wear label is inspired by the Australian bush, desert and sea. It’s founded by Corina Muir, an Indigenous mother, artist and campaigner, and is designed for, “the next generation of change makers.”
Wanting to have financial freedom for herself and her daughter while being a present mum, Corina founded the brand. She strives to create forever pieces with minimal impact to the environment, and each collection collaborates with different Aboriginal artists.
Haus of Dizzy
Proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson has been making jewellery for 20 years and finally founded Haus of Dizzy in 2015. She creates bold, playful, statement-making, joyful jewellery that celebrates Indigenous culture. Each Haus of Dizzy piece is designed, laser-cut, hand-painted and assembled in the company’s studio, located in Fitzroy, Melbourne/Naarm.
She says, “I created the Indigenous pride collection so mob could show their pride in a cool, fun way and allies could support and open a dialogue around Indigenous issues.”
Kamara
After Naomi was diagnosed with Melanoma, Indigenous sisters Kirsty and Naomi Collings started a movement to spread awareness of sun damage in Australia, and simultaneously began producing directional sun protection. With a focus on sustainability and manufacturing in Australia, the sisters were determined to reimagine sun protection with locally made surfwear in covetable prints through their brand, Kamara.

@kamaraswim_
Indigenous Collabs
Earth Greetings
Occasion coming up or thank yous to write? Make it special with Earth Greetings' beautiful letter-writing sets and greetings cards featuring the works of Indigenous artists like Natalie Jade. The brand also believes in having a lighter environmental footprint than traditional paper production – the mission is to use the most Earth friendly materials and processes available. The brand also supports charities and organisations for the better of the world.
Miniland
Aiming to promote a world that is “more open, inclusive and tolerant towards diversity,” Miniland is known for championing representation with its range of inclusive kids toys. Their Australian-owned distributor Axis Toys championed the addition of Australian Aboriginal Girl and Boy Dolls with the support and collaboration of renowned Aboriginal artist Garry Purchase.
“There are a lot of dolls in the market, but not Aboriginal dolls. To have something designed with Aboriginal guidance gives a sense of pride,” Garry says.
“From the other end, the Aboriginal kids have a doll they can identify with, and that’s important. From a cultural perspective, we (the Aboriginal people) are often overlooked and not recognised. This doll gives our culture that piece we deserve.”
Additionally, 3.5% of proceeds from the sale of each doll is donated to Aboriginal community-led organisation Children's Ground.
Ford Millinery
The Billy bucket hat by Ford Millinery is Australian made with the 100% cotton fabric (featured in our hero artwork) designed by Aboriginal artist, Maureen Hudson Nampijinpa. Hero artwork print with many thanks to Maureen Hudson Nampijinpa for Ford Millinery.
Jacaru
Aboriginal art is the oldest living art practiced in the world and the Jacaru 1107 Koori hat pays homage to Indigenous Australian art and the artists who create it – decorated with an authentic Aboriginal print hat band by Julie Nabangardi Sheddon.
Hero artwork featuring print with many thanks to artist Maureen Hudson Nampijinpa for Ford Millinery.
