Kirrikin

Amanda Healy is from the Wonnarua nation – Traditional Owners of the Hunter Valley in NSW. Amanda developed Kirrikin in late 2014, a social enterprise sharing profits with the artists it collaborates with, to address the shortage of authentic Indigenous products.

Kirrikin creates sustainable fashion and accessories featuring contemporary Indigenous artist works translated to fabric. “Working with established and emerging Indigenous artists, each has a unique style, message and intent behind their work. And a percentage of every Kirrikin purchase goes directly to the artist involved in the design.” Kirrikin is an Aboriginal word that roughly translates as "Sunday's best clothes". It was a part of the original language recoded by missionaries visiting the Hunter Valley early in the 1820’s – it is also part of Wonnarua language revitalisation. “Our designs revolve around identity through exploring Aboriginal people, traditions, and their land. Spirited products that capture the essence of Australia.”

Amanda quotes Galawuy Yunupinga to explain the interconnected idea of culture, art and Country and why artistic expression is so vital "When we paint - whether it is on our bodies for ceremony or on bark or canvas for the market - we are not just painting for profit. We are painting as we have always done to demonstrate our continuing link with our country and the rights and responsibilities we have to it. Furthermore, we paint to show the rest of the world that we own this country, and that the land owns us."