The Indigenous Activists, Authors And Creatives You Need To Follow On Instagram
Prepare to be inspired.
As many of you will know, Sunday July 2 2023 marked the start of NAIDOC Week. A week dedicated to celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, For Our Elders, is dedicated to honouring the important role that Elders have played, and continue to play, in supporting and nourishing communities. It is a special acknowledgement for the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, leaders and loved ones that make up so many communities.
Above all, NAIDOC week is about educating ourselves on the injustices that Indigenous people face on a daily basis is the first step in helping to bring about change. But it’s also important to educate yourself on the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and connect with their achievements. Here, we have a list of the influential Indigenous activists, authors and creatives that you need to be following on Instagram to start educating yourself and others.
Michelle Jackson
Creative Director of La Terre Press
A proud Ngambaa woman, Michelle Jackson is an art editor and naturalist who is the epitome of the phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. The creative director of bespoke creative studio, La Terre Press, Jackson has an eye like no other and is known for combining Indigenous art with organic shapes.
Follow if: you love pin-worthy graphics, horoscope motifs and dreamy landscapes
Allira Potter
Creator, Writer & Public Speaker
A proud Yorta Yorta woman, Allira Potter is a must-follow if you love psychic readings and energy healing. With her mission to decolonise the wellness space, Potter is also a meditation teacher, life coach and qualified reiki practitioner.
Follow if: you love manifesting, self-love advice and cute photos of other people’s pets
Tara June Winch
Writer
A Wiradjuri woman based in France, Tara June is a serious changemaker. Best known for her Miles Franklin Award-winning book, The Yield, Winch uses her Instagram feed to educate and inspire her audience to bring about positive change.
Follow if: you’re a bookworm with a passion for self-growth and education
Sianna Catullo
Head of Marketing, Clothing The Gaps
An inspiring Narungga woman, Sianna Catullo is driven by her passion for getting Aboriginal voices heard. As head of marketing at merch-turned-streetwear line, Clothing The Gaps, Catullo strives to use her platform to educate her audience on the gap between Indigenous and Anglo-saxon resourcing in Australia.
Follow if: you love ultra-cool streetwear and safe online forums for open discussion
Rhys Ripper
Creative Director & Stylist
With a creative eye like no other, Yorta Yorta man Rhys Ripper is a true inspiration to follow. Having worked with Gritty Pretty on creative projects in the past and with an infectious personality, Ripper uses his platform to express his pride in his Indigenous heritage.
Follow if: you love high-fashion imagery, creative compositions and bubbly personalities
Niah Mcleod
Artist
Renowned for her intricate, detailed and peaceful paintings, proud Yuin, Monero and Wandanian woman, Niah Mcleod, is a true talent. With a flair for muted colours and neutral tones, you’ll likely recognise her work from inside the walls of the Yeah Nice Gallery.
Follow if: you’re a diehard art lover who is looking for their next centrepiece
Barkaa
Singer
Australian singer/songwriter and activist, Barkaa is the epitome of where passion, drive and love collide. Almost like following a big sister, Barkaa uses her platform to share her art but also to hold open conversations about what more needs to change in Australia.
Follow if: you love discovering new music and love witty Instagram captions
Narelda Jacobs
TV Presenter
A recognisable face from 10 News Perth, Narelda Jacobs is a Whadjuk Noongar woman with a mission. Known for her beaming smile and ability to gently educate those around her on Indigenous and LGBTQI+ issues and injustices, Jacobs is a role model if ever we’ve seen one.
Follow if: you like to be in the know, love behind-the-scenes Instagram stories and need some killer fashion inspiration
Felicia Foxx
Activist, Artist & Personality
You may recognise Felicia Foxx from when she owned the runway at the First Nations Fashion and Design show at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. An activist for inclusivity, acceptance and understanding, Foxx is a must-follow if you need a role model who is unapologetically themselves.
Follow if: you love fashion and crave authenticity and realness
Kuren, Rhys Ripper, Courtney Ugle
Courtney Ugle
AFLW Player
Owning the number one jersey for Essendon’s AFLW team, Courtney Ugle is built of determination, discipline and talent. The proud Noongar woman is also an ambassador for Clothing The Gaps and uses her platform to showcase the ways we can all bring about change.
Follow if: you love AFL and beach photos
Adam Briggs
Musician
Best known for his Australian rap/hip-hop sound, Adam (Senator) Briggs was at the forefront of the Indigenous Australian music scene. Now using his platform to educate his audience and host meaningful conversations, Briggs’s was one of the first to use his music as a political statement.
Follow if: you love hilarious memes, hip-hop music and Versace robes
Nathan McGuire
Model
With campaigns with labels Country Road and Sportscraft under his belt, Australian model Nathan McGuire is a familiar face now-a-days. Trading his hockey career for life in front of the camera, McGuire’s platform is overflowing with resources to do better and be better.
Follow if: you love incredible fashion imagery, fun selfies and bucket hats
Otis Hope Carey
Artist
A proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, Otis Hope Carey’s art is likely at the top of everyone’s wishlists. Combining traditional dot painting with modern pastel colours and organic shapes, Carey’s eye is like no other.
Follow if: you’re an art lover with a surfing obsession
Lizzy Stageman
Artist
A proud descendant of the Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji nations, Lizzy Stageman has an artistic flare most of us can only dream of. Known for her vibrant use of colour and delicate style, her pieces would make even the fussiest of art critics smile.
Follow if: you love chic fashion just as much as you love stunning artworks.
Rachel Steffensen
Advocate
As the Fundraising and Partnerships Coordinator of Firesticks, Rachel Steffensen is one to watch. As an Indigenous led network that aims to reinvigorate the use of cultural burning by facilitating cultural learning pathways to fire and land management, Firesticks is an initiative for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to look after Country.
Follow if: you love to be in the know and inspired on a daily basis.
More incredible Indigenous activists, artists and creatives to follow:
Charlee Fraser, Adam Briggs, Tara June Winch
Nathan McGuire, Lisa Fatnowna, Narelda Jacobs, Felicia Foxx
Aleisha Scanlon
Model
Debuting in her first official season during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, Australian model Aleisha Scanlon is the fresh face to watch. Having walked for the likes of Bondi Born and Zimmermann, Scanlon is set to become an industry mainstay in no time.
Follow if: you love dreamy interiors inspiration and backstage secrets
Sky Thomas
Designer and DJ
A creative in every sense of the word, Sky Thomas is a must-follow if you’re in need of inspiration. Using her platform to provide resources to her audience and share her art (be that clothing or music), Thomas’s authenticity is what makes her so dang cool.
Follow if: you love colour, epic streetwear designs and beauty tips
Kuren
Singer
An ultra-cool artist to follow if you’re in need of some musical inspiration, Kuren’s contemporary R&B-meets-House sound is the perfect soundtrack for your weekend with friends. With over 1.6 million streams on Spotify, it seems we aren’t the only ones who love his sound.
Follow if: you love to be in the know and need to add a bit of flair to your playlists
Brooke Boney
Journalist
A proud Gamilaroi woman, you may recognise Brooke Boney from Channel 9’s Today Show. The journalist is passionate about educating her audience on the resilience of Indigenous communities and the more we can all do to make Australia a more inclusive place.
Follow if: you love selfies, fabulous friends and finding resources to educate yourself
Ziggy Ramo
Musician
Best known for his incredible gift of being able to play the Harmonica and Guitar at the same time (talk about coordination), Ziggy Ramo’s sound is perfect for your Sunday chill. Using his platform to create music that is both a delight to listen to and bursting with political messages, Ramo personifies passion and talent.
Follow if: you love homemade memes, family photos and incredible music
Lisa Fatnowna
Model
Now a familiar face on Australian runways and in Australian shop windows, hockey player-turned-model, Lisa Fatnowna is a delight to follow on Instagram. Using her platform to showcase her pride in her culture, Fatnowna’s feed is also overflowing with fashion and beauty inspiration.
Follow if: you love beauty inspiration, campaign imagery and backstage sneak peeks
Niah McLeod
Artist
Renowned for her intricate, delicate artworks that soulfully capture movement and nature’s fiercest elements, Niah McLeod’s work is in demand for good reason. If you can get your hands on a piece of her work, do. That is all.
Follow if: your love of art aligns perfectly with your love of neutral tones.
Lizzy Stageman, Brooke Boney, Niah Mcleod
Allira Potter, Sianna Catullo, Ziggy Ramo
Michelle Jackson
Creative Director of La Terre Press
A proud Ngambaa woman, Michelle Jackson is an art editor and naturalist who is the epitome of the phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. The creative director of bespoke creative studio, La Terre Press, Jackson has an eye like no other and is known for combining Indigenous art with organic shapes.
Follow if: you love pin-worthy graphics, horoscope motifs and dreamy landscapes
Charlee Fraser, Adam Briggs, Tara June Winch
Allira Potter
Creator, Writer & Public Speaker
A proud Yorta Yorta woman, Allira Potter is a must-follow if you love psychic readings and energy healing. With her mission to decolonise the wellness space, Potter is also a meditation teacher, life coach and qualified reiki practitioner.
Follow if: you love manifesting, self-love advice and cute photos of other people’s pets
Tara June Winch
Writer
A Wiradjuri woman based in France, Tara June is a serious changemaker. Best known for her Miles Franklin Award-winning book, The Yield, Winch uses her Instagram feed to educate and inspire her audience to bring about positive change.
Follow if: you’re a bookworm with a passion for self-growth and education
Nathan McGuire, Lisa Fatnowna, Narelda Jacobs, Felicia Foxx
Sianna Catullo
Head of Marketing, Clothing The Gaps
An inspiring Narungga woman, Sianna Catullo is driven by her passion for getting Aboriginal voices heard. As head of marketing at merch-turned-streetwear line, Clothing The Gaps, Catullo strives to use her platform to educate her audience on the gap between Indigenous and Anglo-saxon resourcing in Australia.
Follow if: you love ultra-cool streetwear and safe online forums for open discussion
Rhys Ripper
Creative Director & Stylist
With a creative eye like no other, Yorta Yorta man Rhys Ripper is a true inspiration to follow. Having worked with Gritty Pretty on creative projects in the past and with an infectious personality, Ripper uses his platform to express his pride in his Indigenous heritage.
Follow if: you love high-fashion imagery, creative compositions and bubbly personalities
Niah Mcleod
Artist
Renowned for her intricate, detailed and peaceful paintings, proud Yuin, Monero and Wandanian woman, Niah Mcleod, is a true talent. With a flair for muted colours and neutral tones, you’ll likely recognise her work from inside the walls of the Yeah Nice Gallery.
Follow if: you’re a diehard art lover who is looking for their next centrepiece
Barkaa
Singer
Australian singer/songwriter and activist, Barkaa is the epitome of where passion, drive and love collide. Almost like following a big sister, Barkaa uses her platform to share her art but also to hold open conversations about what more needs to change in Australia.
Follow if: you love discovering new music and love witty Instagram captions
Narelda Jacobs
TV Presenter
A recognisable face from 10 News Perth, Narelda Jacobs is a Whadjuk Noongar woman with a mission. Known for her beaming smile and ability to gently educate those around her on Indigenous and LGBTQI+ issues and injustices, Jacobs is a role model if ever we’ve seen one.
Follow if: you like to be in the know, love behind-the-scenes Instagram stories and need some killer fashion inspiration
Felicia Foxx
Activist, Artist & Personality
You may recognise Felicia Foxx from when she owned the runway at the First Nations Fashion and Design show at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. An activist for inclusivity, acceptance and understanding, Foxx is a must-follow if you need a role model who is unapologetically themselves.
Follow if: you love fashion and crave authenticity and realness
Aleisha Scanlon
Model
Debuting in her first official season during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, Australian model Aleisha Scanlon is the fresh face to watch. Having walked for the likes of Bondi Born and Zimmermann, Scanlon is set to become an industry mainstay in no time.
Follow if: you love dreamy interiors inspiration and backstage secrets
Sky Thomas
Designer and DJ
A creative in every sense of the word, Sky Thomas is a must-follow if you’re in need of inspiration. Using her platform to provide resources to her audience and share her art (be that clothing or music), Thomas’s authenticity is what makes her so dang cool.
Follow if: you love colour, epic streetwear designs and beauty tips
Kuren
Singer
An ultra-cool artist to follow if you’re in need of some musical inspiration, Kuren’s contemporary R&B-meets-House sound is the perfect soundtrack for your weekend with friends. With over 1.6 million streams on Spotify, it seems we aren’t the only ones who love his sound.
Follow if: you love to be in the know and need to add a bit of flair to your playlists
Brooke Boney
Journalist
A proud Gamilaroi woman, you may recognise Brooke Boney from Channel 9’s Today Show. The journalist is passionate about educating her audience on the resilience of Indigenous communities and the more we can all do to make Australia a more inclusive place.
Follow if: you love selfies, fabulous friends and finding resources to educate yourself
Ziggy Ramo
Musician
Best known for his incredible gift of being able to play the Harmonica and Guitar at the same time (talk about coordination), Ziggy Ramo’s sound is perfect for your Sunday chill. Using his platform to create music that is both a delight to listen to and bursting with political messages, Ramo personifies passion and talent.
Follow if: you love homemade memes, family photos and incredible music
Lisa Fatnowna
Model
Now a familiar face on Australian runways and in Australian shop windows, hockey player-turned-model, Lisa Fatnowna is a delight to follow on Instagram. Using her platform to showcase her pride in her culture, Fatnowna’s feed is also overflowing with fashion and beauty inspiration.
Follow if: you love beauty inspiration, campaign imagery and backstage sneak peeks
Niah McLeod
Artist
Renowned for her intricate, delicate artworks that soulfully capture movement and nature’s fiercest elements, Niah McLeod’s work is in demand for good reason. If you can get your hands on a piece of her work, do. That is all.
Follow if: your love of art aligns perfectly with your love of neutral tones.
Kuren, Rhys Ripper, Courtney Ugle
Lizzy Stageman, Brooke Boney, Niah Mcleod
Allira Potter, Sianna Catullo, Ziggy Ramo
Courtney Ugle
AFLW Player
Owning the number one jersey for Essendon’s AFLW team, Courtney Ugle is built of determination, discipline and talent. The proud Noongar woman is also an ambassador for Clothing The Gaps and uses her platform to showcase the ways we can all bring about change.
Follow if: you love AFL and beach photos
Adam Briggs
Musician
Best known for his Australian rap/hip-hop sound, Adam (Senator) Briggs was at the forefront of the Indigenous Australian music scene. Now using his platform to educate his audience and host meaningful conversations, Briggs’s was one of the first to use his music as a political statement.
Follow if: you love hilarious memes, hip-hop music and Versace robes
Nathan McGuire
Model
With campaigns with labels Country Road and Sportscraft under his belt, Australian model Nathan McGuire is a familiar face now-a-days. Trading his hockey career for life in front of the camera, McGuire’s platform is overflowing with resources to do better and be better.
Follow if: you love incredible fashion imagery, fun selfies and bucket hats
Otis Hope Carey
Artist
A proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, Otis Hope Carey’s art is likely at the top of everyone’s wishlists. Combining traditional dot painting with modern pastel colours and organic shapes, Carey’s eye is like no other.
Follow if: you’re an art lover with a surfing obsession
Lizzy Stageman
Artist
A proud descendant of the Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji nations, Lizzy Stageman has an artistic flare most of us can only dream of. Known for her vibrant use of colour and delicate style, her pieces would make even the fussiest of art critics smile.
Follow if: you love chic fashion just as much as you love stunning artworks.
Rachel Steffensen
Advocate
As the Fundraising and Partnerships Coordinator of Firesticks, Rachel Steffensen is one to watch. As an Indigenous led network that aims to reinvigorate the use of cultural burning by facilitating cultural learning pathways to fire and land management, Firesticks is an initiative for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to look after Country.
Follow if: you love to be in the know and inspired on a daily basis.
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