Magpie Goose joins forces with Firesticks Alliance to keep the fire burning this NAIDOC week
In honour of this year’s NAIDOC week, First-Nations fashion brand Magpie Goose has joined forces with Firesticks Alliance to launch a capsule collection of t-shirts. The duo enlisted three Indigenous creatives to dream up a t-shirt design that responded to this year’s NAIDOC theme “Keep the Fire Burning – Blak, Loud and Proud.” Available online and in-store now, the t-shirts spotlight Firesticks Alliance’s work to heal and protect both land and livelihoods through the promoting of First Nations cultural fire practices. Keep reading to find out more …
Since it burst onto the scene in 2015, Magpie Goose has gained a cult following for its bold garments, quality designs and noble mission. Founded by Amanda Hayman and Troy Casey, the fashion label is best known for its colourful designs created by Indigenous artists, using hand-screen-printed 100% natural fabrics. Through ongoing collaborations with local artists, Magpie Goose proudly leverages the power of clothing to not only share culture but also generate economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.
The brand’s connection to community made this recent collaboration with Firesticks Alliance a natural team up. As Rachel Steffensen, people and partnerships manager at Firesticks Alliance, says, “The collaboration and partnership … embody the shared values of Indigenous-led sustainable initiatives, supporting the economic development of artists and fire practitioners.”
Over the past decade, Firesticks Alliance has delivered mentorships and educational programs to 35 communities, helping to reinstate culture knowledge systems among youth, Elders and community leaders on cultural fire practices. From cool burning to other land management techniques, Firesticks Alliance helps to improve ecosystem health and agricultural and economic livelihoods. The special collaboration between Firesticks Alliance and Magpie Goose has chosen to highlight the work of Tristan Schultz, Keisha Leon and Casey Coolwell-Fisher.
For his t-shirt, Tristan Schultz, owner of Relative Creative, created a fresh take on his previous artwork for the book Fire Country. The ecru-toned shirt depicts an outstretched Elder’s hand offering to Australia their wisdom in a firestick. The illustration has been enlivened by blue and orange colours to celebrate the art of cool burning. Waanyi and Kalkadoon designer and owner of Cause/Affect, Keisha Leon, instead chose to consider the connection of people and Country with a bright pink t-shirt and a contrasting orange-and-green ring graphic. The design captures the action of cultural burning (rings) as well as the intergenerational transfer and growth of cultural fire practice.
Finally, Quandomooka designer and owner of CHABOO, Casey Coolwell-Fisher, focused on the Australian Grass Tree (once referred to as a ‘Black Boy’ tree), depicted on a striking green tee. This tree species continues to stand the test of time despite the furore of bushfires and provides an integral tool to First Nations communities. Through the use of the text ‘Blak Boi’, Casey also acknowledges the resilience of ‘blak’ boys and men.
Available while stock lasts, the ‘Keep the Fire Burning’ t-shirts helps support local communities whilst promoting Indigenous-led land management initiatives of Firesticks Alliance. Shop Magpie Goose x Firesticks Alliance online and in-store at Magpie Goose’s flagship on King St, Bowen Hills.
Image Credit: Georgia Wallace
