National Indigenous Business Month lets ECEC take action today for impact tomorrow

October is National Indigenous Business Month, and The Sector has reached out to organisers who, with the help of SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, have compiled a list of Indigenous-led businesses who cater for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

 

Please note, the list below is by no means exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to seek out and support First Nations businesses relevant for their community context.  

 

• Larry Brandy is an Aboriginal storyteller who connects people of all ages to the stories of the Wiradijuri culture. 
• Songlines Art, Culture, Education, based in Tweed Heads, New South Wales, provide innovative ways to empower First Nations people through art, culture and education services.
• Brandy Rose Creations supports women in business and sells lanyards and bibs. 

 

• Freshwater Education is an Aboriginal family-owned business that creates culturally appropriate education resources.
• Your Heart & My Journey sells paintings, mats, puzzles and other resources which may suit ECEC classrooms. 
• Yarn Strong Sista and the Koori Curriculum are both well known First Nations businesses in the ECEC sector who have long been supportive of the development of the skills and understanding of the broader sector, offering resources, professional development, books and music. 

 

• Riley Callie Resources was born from a desire to introduce young children to a fun and engaging way of learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that incorporates Indigenous thinking and contexts. 
• Cyclic Kinnectionz in Far North Queensland delivers professional development that builds capacity and celebrates First Nations people and culture by connecting in circles.
• Connecting the Dots through Culture offers a safe space for Educators to learn together and share their learnings with like minded people that are on their own embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives journey. 

 

Now in its eighth year, Indigenous Business Month (IBM) organisers have chosen the 2022 theme, ACTIONS TODAY, IMPACT TOMORROW, to inspire the next generation of First Nations business leaders.

 

“First Nations businesses are making impact every day across Australia – our business leaders bring the power of contribution to their families, communities and more broadly to the advancement of our people and our nation,” said Indigenous Business Month Co-Founder Dr Michelle Evans.

 

The Indigenous business sector has created opportunity and change in many communities across the country and is a testament to the resilience, strength, advocacy and determination of First Nations people, she added.

 

This year’s theme acknowledges that the journey for many business owners is not linear, and the stories and experiences we all share can play a key role in inspiring the next generation. 

 

“It’s so great to see IBM go from strength to strength. The growth of IBM reflects the growth and development of the sector, its diversity, strength, and impact,” said Indigenous Business Month Co-Founder Leesa Watego.

 

“First Nations cultures are steeped in learning from the people who have gone before us. As a business owner today, we’re paving the way for the young people around us to learn, creating a ripple effect for our sector and opportunities for their future. I’m excited about the next generation of leaders and amplifying the impact for our sector,” added Co-Founder Mayrah Sonter. 

 

Allies who are not part of the First Nations community are encouraged to consider how the actions they take today are impacting tomorrow, to support First Nations business success. 

 

Increased collaboration with First Nations businesses supports cultural appreciation and community reciprocity. Workforce strategies can provide key development opportunities for First Nations entrepreneurs.

 

IBM runs from 1–31 October as an initiative driven by the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class, who see business as a way of providing positive role models for young First Nations Australians and improving the quality of life in First Nations communities.

 

For more information, visit indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn using the hashtags #IndigBizMonth #IndigenousBusinessMonth