Deciding to be an ally to First Nations people is an active decision.
“Being a good ally is ‘when you see something, say something’ in your day-to-day life,” says Dr Summer May Finlay, a social justice advocate, researcher and Yorta Yorta woman.
“Speak about it, and actively challenge the status quo. Not just on NAIDOC Week, or Reconciliation Week. Be an ally 365 days a year.”
Here are some of the ways you can do that.
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Commit to learning
Krystal Hurst, co-founder of Trading Blak, says: “An ally takes a step back to balance unequal power, to allow Indigenous people to take the lead to determine our lives and futures. It’s not something you claim but something you commit to.”
Immerse yourself in diverse artworks and publications by First Nations creatives. A free library card is a ticket to a new world to learn First Nations perspectives of Australia’s shared histories and cultures. You can commit to your own journey of unlearning and relearning, and importantly find something appropriate for the little ones.
Immerse yourself in Indigenous artworks and books. An artist paints in his studio.
Finlay says: “The right books can help us make sure children understand. They help us make sure that we’re educating the next generation appropriately.”
She recommends Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, and Thomas Mayor’s children’s version of the Uluru Statement, Finding Our Heart.
Make connections
We’ve all got devices at our fingertips that we can use to help spread the word about creatives, businesses or initiatives we love. Once you’ve done your due diligence to ensure a business is Indigenous owned, a great way to show support is by liking, commenting on and sharing Blak business accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Or tag a friend on a product you know they’ll love.
And why not have fun with the new #BuyBlak GIPHY stickers, designed by Nungala Creative, led by proud Warumungu/Wombaya woman Jessica Johnson, for a dynamic way to post your support?
Finlay says: “Promote Indigenous businesses with your social media accounts or your emails, or even just in conversation, whether it’s fashion, artists or authors.”
Following collectives such as @tradingblak on Instagram is a great way to find First Nations businesses to browse, buy and support.
“Much of the work I get is through word of mouth – people promoting me,” Finlay says. “I wouldn’t have gotten a lot of my contracts without it. Assisting us to grow our reputations helps us to grow our businesses long-term.
“If you’re working in a certain industry, you might be able to recommend a new, up-and-coming or existing, well-established Indigenous business to your procurement team or manager.”
Offer a skill
Another way you can support First Nations initiatives is by volunteering professional help. Maybe you’ve got a skill that you can share, whether it’s building websites, social media, graphic design or a trade. Ensuring you stand beside the business owners by building respectful relationships is an important step for reconciliation in Australia.
“If you know an Indigenous entrepreneur, artist or other business, offering your skills may be a way you could help them grow their business beyond just purchasing stuff,” Finlay says. “And that could have a much more lasting impact.”
Supply Nation is a good place to start if you want to locate an Indigenous verified business (at least 50% owned by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) near you.
Or partner with Indigenous organisations
Find out if there is a way for you as an individual or your organisation to partner with an Indigenous organisation. Michelle Klein, Meta’s vice president of global customer marketing, says: “More allies need to work with the First Nations community so we can all keep pushing Indigenous business development and innovation forward.
“We’re working in partnership with more than 10 organisations, such as NAIDOC Week, Indigitek and Campfire x, to collaborate on initiatives that support First Nations communities.”
Brolga Dance Academy
Building on these partnerships, Meta is supporting the #BuyBlak initiative, a movement started by First Nations communities. Through the #BuyBlak Friday initiative launched in November, Meta is working with a range of First Nations businesses and community members to reframe Black Friday as a day to discover and support First Nations-owned businesses this holiday season and beyond.
“Across the platform, we’ve seen hashtags be used as a catalyst for good and we want everyone to use the #BuyBlak hashtag to easily discover thousands of incredible First Nations businesses online,” Klein says.
Because you don’t have to spend money to be an ally.
This holiday season, Meta is encouraging everyone to shop with First Nations-owned businesses. To discover more First Nations-owned businesses, search #BuyBlak on Facebook or Instagram.
