Tonight is the culmination of two days of building confidence, positive thinking and identity for a range of First Nations youth who have been working together to take a walk down the fashion runway at the Inaugural, Guyamgan Bahna Duglaarra Fashion show on the Gold Coast tonight.
The participants have been part of a two-day workshop that brought together First Nations Australians with representatives of First Nations people from Canada, New Mexico, and the USA.
‘First Nations young people have been able to come together and see they have similar issues and work in collaboration together, and share and exchange indigenous culture,’ said Sarah Bolt, Director of Guyamgan Bahna Fashion Corporation.
‘Over the two days the young people have worked on self-esteem, confidence building, well-being, social and emotional well-being, awareness of mental health and suicide risk, cultural identity and connection.
‘It’s important to look after the social and emotional wellbeing of our mob, especially our younger generation.’
Guyamgan Bahna Duglaarra Fashion has been established by two Aboriginal women from the Bundjalung nation from Lismore and Casino in Northern NSW. They chose the name because in the Bundjalug language ‘Guyamgan Bahna’ means ‘Star Rise’ and in the Yaegl language ‘Duglaarra’ means ‘Together’.
Ms Bolt emphasised the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for these young girls, women, boys and men to ‘proudly walk down a runway in or First Nation and International Indigenous Designers range with pride. The youth will have the opportunity to step on the runway at the Guyamgan Bahna Duglaarra Fashion show with confidence and in pride through cultural connection and identity.’
If you are interested in going to tonight’s show to support and empower First Nations youth you can buy a ticket on Eventbrite here. The Shoe starts at 6pm at Robina Community Centre Auditorium at 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina.
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