BW Tribal Blog

Makeover Your Home with Affordable Indigenous Art under $100

Ready to give your home a facelift without blowing your budget? With just a few carefully picked pieces, you can transform your space into a vibrant, culturally-rich sanctuary that screams "you." From the heart of your home to your cosy corners, BW Tribal's affordable home & living range will help you create a space that feels like an extension of yourself.

The Sacred Smoke: Smoking Ceremonies in Aboriginal Culture

Smoking ceremonies have been an integral part of Aboriginal culture for millennia, weaving together the spiritual, physical, and social threads of Indigenous Australian life. These ancient rituals, still practised today, hold a deep significance that goes beyond the visible act of burning native plants. They are a powerful means of cleansing, healing, and connecting with the land, the spirits, and the community.

Songlines: The Art Of Indigenous Navigation

For countless generations, Aboriginal people have traversed the vast Australian landscape using a unique system of navigation known as songlines. These ancient pathways, also called Dreaming tracks, are a of cultural knowledge, spirituality, and survival wisdom.

Understanding The Dreaming

For tens of thousands of years, the Dreaming has been the backbone of Aboriginal spirituality and culture. It's a complex and fascinating concept that weaves together the past, present, and future, offering a profound understanding of the world around us. The Dreaming is more than just a collection of ancient stories; it's a living, breathing essence that shapes Aboriginal identity and guides their way of life.

First Nations Athletes Competing at the Paris Olympics

Indigenous Australian athletes are ready to make their mark at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with eleven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander competitors representing the nation across eight different sports.

National NAIDOC Award Winners 2024

NAIDOC Week 2024 has been a remarkable celebration of the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The National NAIDOC Awards ceremony, held in Adelaide, brought together a diverse group of people to honour the outstanding contributions made by Indigenous Australians across a multitude of fields.

When Giants Roamed: Aboriginal Australians & Megafauna

This one is for all you science buffs out there - Recent research has shed new light on the relationship between Aboriginal Australians and the megafauna that once inhabited the continent. Contrary to previous beliefs, evidence now suggests that these two groups coexisted for at least 17,000 years.

How to Participate in NAIDOC Week

Are you wanting to get involved in NAIDOC Week celebrations but not sure where to start? No worries! Whether you're Indigenous or not, there are heaps of ways to join in. From checking out local events to supporting Indigenous businesses, this guide's got you covered. We'll show you how to learn, connect, and make a difference during this important week. Let's NAIDOC Week one to remember!

The Aboriginal Flag: Colours and Symbolism Explained

From its humble beginnings at a protest in Adelaide to its current status as a national icon, the Aboriginal flag has become so much more than its creator could have imagined. It's a rallying cry, a source of pride, and a constant reminder of the rich cultural heritage that makes Australia truly unique. This simple yet profound flag stands as a testament to Indigenous resilience, struggle, and enduring connection to country.

NAIDOC 2024 Award Finalists: Celebrating Indigenous Excellence

The National NAIDOC Committee has unveiled the finalists for the 2024 NAIDOC Week Awards. This year's lineup features an impressive array of talent spanning ten categories, each embodying the essence of NAIDOC's values. The award ceremony, set to take place on July 6, promises to be a powerful celebration of Indigenous excellence, honouring the past while looking confidently towards the future.

Indigenous Story Bridge Climb: A New Chapter in Brisbane's Cultural Tourism

Brisbane's upcoming Indigenous Story Bridge Climb promises a unique cultural journey, blending breathtaking views with rich First Nations storytelling. Guided by Indigenous storytellers, visitors will ascend the bridge while delving into thousands of years of history, art, and tradition. This innovative experience, launching in August, aims to deepen tourists' understanding of Meanjin's Indigenous heritage.

Remembering the South Sea Islander Labourers

In the late 19th century, 62,000 South Sea Islander labourers were brought to the country between 1863 and 1904, primarily from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, to work under a system of indentured labour in the sugar cane industry. This event marked the beginning of a dark chapter in Australian history, as the Islanders, many of whom were kidnapped or coerced into leaving their homes, were subjected to harsh working conditions, poor living arrangements, and racial discrimination.

Welcome to Country vs Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony performed by Indigenous Elders or recognised representatives of the community, welcoming people to the land and sharing its stories. An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect that can be delivered by anyone, recognising the enduring connection between the land and its First Peoples. By engaging in these practices with sincerity and reverence, we contribute to a more inclusive Australia that honours its Indigenous heritage.

Celebrating Indigenous LGBTQ+ This Pride Month

Happy Pride Month! The Indigenous LGBTQ+ community in Australia is a vibrant and resilient group that navigates the unique intersections of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and queer identities. Indigenous LGBTQ+ Australians make an important impact on the nation's cultural landscape, and in this article, we celebrate their experiences and the progress being made towards greater acceptance and equality.

Mabo Day

Mabo Day, observed annually on June 3rd, commemorates the landmark 1992 High Court decision that recognised Indigenous Australians' land rights, overturning the doctrine of terra nullius. Led by Eddie Koiki Mabo, the case acknowledged Indigenous Australians' long history and connection to the land, leading to the Native Title Act 1993. Mabo Day is a celebration of resilience, justice, and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation in Australia.

Artist Interview: Deb Belyea's NAIDOC 2024 Win & Historic Collab with BW Tribal

As a proud Samuawgadhalgal woman from the top Western Torres Strait Islands, Deb Belyea has always drawn strength and inspiration from her cultural heritage. Through her vibrant artworks, educational initiatives, and now a groundbreaking collaboration with BW Tribal, Deb is on a mission to keep the fire of Torres Strait Islander culture burning brightly for generations to come.

National Sorry Day: Remembering the Stolen Generations

May 26 is National Sorry Day in Australia, a day dedicated to acknowledging and apologising for the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. These children, known as the Stolen Generations, were systematically separated from their families and communities from the mid-1800s until the 1970s. National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for the nation to pause and reflect on the immense trauma and suffering caused by these policies.

Nicky Winmar's Defiant Stand: The Moment That Ignited the Fight Against Racism in AFL

In 1993, Nicky Winmar, a proud Noongar man, took a stand against racism during an AFL match that would go down in history. Faced with relentless racial abuse from the crowd, Winmar lifted his jersey and pointed to his skin, declaring, "I'm black and I'm proud to be black." This defiant act, captured in an iconic photograph, sparked a movement that forced the AFL to confront the pervasive issue of racism in the sport.

This Reconciliation Week, Wear It Yellow For First Nations Kids

Reconciliation Week 2024 sees the Wear It Yellow campaign, alongside Children's Ground, leading the charge in supporting First Nations children. The initiative strives to create a future where these children can flourish, connected to their culture and liberated from social and economic disadvantage. By donning yellow this Reconciliation Week, participants can ignite discussions, boost awareness, and contribute to building a fairer society for all Australians.

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.

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