Seven Indigenous-owned businesses you can buy from this festive season

I’m an Aboriginal accountant, and I have the privilege of working with some of the most incredible Aboriginal-owned businesses in Australia — from talented designers to in-demand cultural tour providers, and fast-moving consumer goods.

These businesses not only bring unique and culturally rich products and services to the market but also contribute significantly to the economy and the economic development of our communities. 

As a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, I thought I’d put together a list of 7 Aboriginal-owned businesses I’m shopping from this Christmas, and I hope you’ll consider doing the same. 

With many of these brands (and plenty of others), you’ll find traditional ingredients and processes that have been passed down through generations and products that tell powerful stories. 

But more than that, you’ll also find businesses that give back to their communities. They reinvest their success in initiatives that support education, cultural preservation, and economic development, ensuring that the benefits of their hard work extend far beyond their bottom lines. 

So, whether it’s during NAIDOC week or Christmas, I hope you’ll consider shopping with these businesses and the many others that are making waves with their award-winning products and in-demand offerings, all while adding a touch of culture to our lives. Trust me; you’re guaranteed to find something your family and friends will love.

Mariah Akamarre

Mariah Akamarre yoga mat. Source: Supplied

Mariah Akamarre has created the most stunning range of yoga mats, duffle bags, and sweat towels featuring her artwork. If my partner is reading this, the pink yoga mat is on my wish list! You can find her beautiful products at Mariah Akamarre.

Nood Australia

Source: Nood Australia

Nood Australia offers a range of natural, sustainable cleaning products, personal care items, and home care products using native Australian botanicals. My personal favorite is its hand sanitiser — trust me, you won’t regret purchasing it! Check out its offerings at Nood Australia.

Lakun Mara

Founded by Sonya Rankine, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Lakun Mara specialises in expert weaving and artistry. You can order some beautiful handwoven jewellery or even book in for one of her weaving workshops held throughout the year. Don’t forget to explore her range of stationery, perfect for stocking fillers. Discover her creations at Lakun Mara.

Bookabee Cultural Tours

This family-owned Aboriginal business keeps busy for a fantastic reason. They offer cultural tours in the heart of Adelaide, earning recognition as award-winning Aboriginal cultural tour providers. Find out more about their incredible tours at Bookabee Cultural Tours.

Yaye 

Source: Yaye

I can already vouch for the quality of presents from this beautiful business. Yaye offers a luxury range of body and bath products. My personal favorite is the body butter — they are simply to die for! Explore its products at Yaye.

Fringe Ticket

The Adelaide Fringe season is approaching quickly, so why not consider gifting tickets to one of the many talented Aboriginal artists performing? 

My uncle Kev Kropinyeri, along with some of the best comedians in the country, is featuring in the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars. You can also catch performances by Nathan May, a talented musician, Dane Simpson, a fantastic comedian, Marlon Motlop, a musician, and Dusty Feed mob, an Aboriginal Dance group. Gift someone you love a night out and the power of song and dance in storytelling for Christmas. They’ll be raving about it for months to come!

Pundi Produce

For those who prefer tea over coffee, Pundi Produce offers a range of Australian Natives Teas and Bitters. This Christmas, I have Pundi Bitters on my shopping list. Explore its collection at Pundi Produce.

Kedeisha Kartinyeri is the director and Aboriginal accountant at KML Business Solutions.