BW Tribal Blog

Deb Belyea's 'Urapun Muy' Wins NAIDOC 2024 Poster Competition

Samuawgadhalgal artist Deb Belyea as the winner of the 2024 NAIDOC Week Poster Competition. Belyea's winning artwork, titled 'Urapun Muy', meaning 'One Fire' in the Kalaw Kawaw Ya dialect, beautifully embodies this year's theme, "Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud".

Electric Fields Represent Australia at Eurovision 2024: A Milestone for Indigenous Representation

Electronic duo Electric Fields will represent Australia at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, performing their new track, "One Milkali (One Blood)", which incorporates Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal language. Known for blending contemporary electronic soul with ancient Indigenous culture, the duo sings in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and English, reflecting their commitment to their roots and modern expressions.

Archie Moore's 65,000-Year Family Tree Wins Prestigious Art Prize

Indigenous artist Archie Moore made history, winning the best national presentation at the Venice Biennale for his installation "kith and kin." Tracing his 65,000-year ancestral lineage, Moore meticulously covered the space with chalk, confronting Australia's colonial past and celebrating the enduring connection between Aboriginal people and their lands.

Hooked on Success: Indigenous Fisherman Lands Million Dollar Catch

Keegan Payne, a 19-year-old fisherman from Katherine, Northern Territory, has become the first winner of the Million Dollar Fish competition's grand prize. While many have cast their lines in hopes of reeling in the elusive million-dollar catch, it was Payne who finally broke the drought

Jarjums and Pikninis

Did you know that in Indigenous Australian cultures, children are widely known as "jarjums" and "pikninis"? From birth, jarjums and pikninis are surrounded by love and care, with special ceremonies and rituals performed to welcome them into the world. As they grow, they learn the ways of their people, including respecting Elders, caring for the land, and maintaining their cultural identity.

ANZAC Day: Remembering Our Indigenous Soldiers

ANZAC Day is a time for us to come together as a nation and pay our respects to the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom. It's a day to remember the sacrifices made by the Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) who landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. But there's another group of soldiers whose contributions are often overlooked - our Indigenous Anzacs.

The Meaning Behind the Name: BW Tribal's 'Zenadth Kes' Collection

Zenadth Kes, derived from the names of the four winds that dance across the Torres Strait, speaks to the deep relationship between the Torres Strait Islanders and their environment. We've taken inspiration from Zenadth Kes for our latest collection. Each piece in our ally-friendly range is a tribute to the Torres Strait Islanders and their incredible heritage.

What Is Cultural Load?

Cultural load is an important issue that often goes unseen in Australian workplaces.‘Cultural load’ is the extra set of responsibilities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees often carry, on top of their regular job duties.
So what exactly does cultural load look like? Well, Indigenous employees are often expected to be the go-to people for anything related to Indigenous matters.

From a Heartfelt Yarn to a Deadly Preschool: Dalaigur's 60-Year Journey.

Dalaigur Preschool has a rich history that goes back 60 years. It all started with a heartfelt yarn over a cup of tea between some visionary local aunties. They wanted to create a nurturing and safe place for the little ones in their community to learn and grow. Fast forward to today, and Dalaigur been honoured with the Outstanding Early Education and Care Service Award.

Blak Trekkers Conquer Everest Base Camp, Didgeridoo in Hand

In an awe-inspiring display of Indigenous pride and physical prowess, a group of Indigenous Australians known as the Blak Trekkers recently conquered the challenging trek to Everest Base Camp. Among them was Jeremy Donovan, who made history by becoming the first Aboriginal person to play the didgeridoo at the mountain's South Base Camp.

Wandjina: The Rainmakers of The Dreamtime

The Wandjina are revered rainmaker spirits deeply rooted in the Dreamtime stories of the Kimberley region in Northwestern Australia. They are the masterful creators of the land, its people, and the forces of nature. With their power, they sculpted the landscapes, filling them with life and energy.

Our Flag, Our Story

"Our Flag, Our Story" brings the Torres Strait Islander flag and its profound significance to life. Through the eyes of Bernard Namok Jnr, witness the birth of a symbol that unites a community with pride and identity. Ideal for young readers yet resonant with all ages, this book is a key to understanding and celebrating the diverse heritage that shapes Australia.

The Untold Story of Aboriginal Migration to Indonesia 150 Years Ago

A hidden chapter of history where Indigenous Australians were part of a vibrant community in Southeast Asia 150 years ago has recently come to light. This discovery came through a collection of vintage photographs found in an Italian library.

What Are The Roles of Indigenous Elders?

In Aboriginal communities, Elders hold a revered position that's been solidified through centuries of tradition. These individuals are not just the senior members of the community; they're the keepers of wisdom, culture, and history.

The UN's Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day

Every year on the 21st of March, we come together to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It's a day to stir up a global conversation that's all about tolerance, equality, and giving racism the boot.

Harmony Week 2024

Harmony Week has officially kicked off, an annual celebration embracing the melting pot of cultures that make Australia truly unique. From the enduring heritage of our First Nations people to the stories of those who've joined us from every corner of the globe, this week is all about inclusivity, respect, and a shared sense of belonging.

ILF Releases 5 New Bilingual Books

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) has been up to some amazing work, launching not one, but FIVE new bilingual books. These books come straight from the heart of remote communities, bringing to life stories written and illustrated by incredibly talented First Nations authors and artists.

Why 'Blak'? The History Behind The Spelling

The term 'Blak' traces its origins back to 1994, attributed to the creative vision of Aboriginal artist, broadcaster and political activist, Destiny Deacon. Deacon sought to reclaim and redefine the word 'black' from the derogatory labels and misrepresentations imposed by non-Indigenous people.

Ocean Guardian – Malu Yawa Garka by Brian Robinson

A story unfolds in the heart of the Barrier Reef, one that intertwines the ancient lore of the Torres Strait Islands with the pressing narrative of ocean conservation. Brian Robinson, an artist with roots deeply embedded in Torres Strait Islander heritage, brings to life 'Ocean Guardian', a cast iron sculpture that has become a poignant symbol of environmental stewardship.

Celebrating Indigenous Brilliance at the AIATSIS 2024 Summit

From the arts to education, health, and governance, the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) 2024 Summit, will showcase the multifaceted contributions of Indigenous communities. It's an opportunity for academics, legal experts, community and cultural sectors, and government representatives to come together, share ideas, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and knowledge.

Blak & Bright Literary Festival Returns to Melbourne

Melbourne/Naarm is gearing up for the return of the Blak & Bright Literary Festival, a significant event dedicated to celebrating and uplifting First Nations writers and storytellers.

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