I am Aboriginal. I am also English, Australian and a little Eastern European according to Ancestory.com, but my great, great, great grandmother was Aboriginal, and she was born in Tasmania.

For years I’ve been searching for more information about where I come from. I’ve always known about my great, great, great grandmother, but a photocopy of her death certificate and a story passed down through the generations is the extent of what I have.

I’ve done two DNA tests and I’ve used all the family tree websites I can find, but because no one back then kept records the way we do now, there’s not much out there about Rose Hannah Barlow. I know she was Aboriginal, I know she was Tasmanian, and I know she married an English settler, Henry Lawson, but that’s all I know, and I’ve been searching for my tribe, my ancestors, my heritage - for so long.

So, when Kirrikin landed at The Fashion Advocate, I was so excited to welcome my first Aboriginal label to my online community and so proud to be supporting the female artists who share their culture and their stories through fashion.

I have always been into history, I have always felt connected to my Mother Earth, I have always felt compelled to campaign for equality and justice, and I have always felt responsible for my impact, but now, what I do makes sense more than ever.

As soon as I find out where I come from, you’ll know, but in the meantime, you can support this incredible ethical and sustainable Aboriginal Australian label here.

The Fashion Advocate x



