Cotton On Foundation has pledged 100% of proceeds from the sale of products to First Nations partnerships, as part of NAIDOC Week 2022.
Full proceeds from the sale of Supré Foundation products (from July 3 to July 10) and Cotton On Foundation products (from July 3 to August 22) will contribute to the cause.
Cotton On Group is also currently working with Reconciliation Australia to formalise and publish its ‘REFLECT’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Cotton On has partnered with a number of Aboriginal owned and led organisations including:
Learning on Country Workshops | Yirrkala
An educational and culturally rich program for middle and senior Yolŋu students, as part of the curriculum. Learning on Country workshops, or ‘Galtha Rom’ workshops, take place on country and deepen the connection between young Yolŋu people and knowledge of culture and Country.
Yirrkala School | Yirrkala
One of the few bilingual schools in Australia with an educational pathway and curriculum that supports learning in first language, Yolŋu Matha. Some of the projects Cotton On supports include: Wellbeing, music and creative workshops, cultural workshops and teacher training.
The Mulka Project | Yirrkala & Homelands
Located in the Buku-Larrŋgay Arts Centre, the Mulka Project brings together students, mentors and elders to share Yolŋu culture through digital, visual and Yolŋu art. With a production house, recording studio and digital learning centre on-site, Mulka is an incredible archive of historical and cultural footage. Students have the opportunity to develop skills in the creative arts, while building the confidence to express and explore their identity.
Community Based Aboriginal Teacher Education (C-BATE) | Yirrkala School & Laynhapuy Homelands School
Supporting Yolŋu teachers to further their careers without having to leave their communities to study. Teachers can develop skills while remaining connected to their families, communities and elders. This will increase the number of qualified Yolŋu teachers working in Yirrkala School and Laynhapuy Homeland Schools, while supporting the teachers in maintaining a strong sense of culture and identity.
Djalkiri Pathways Program | Yirrkala
Cotton On's newest partnership is with a Yolŋu-led intergenerational initiative. The Djalkiri Pathways Program aims to empower the next generation of leaders with individualised pathways for further education, personal and career growth.
Strong Brother, Strong Sister (SBSS) | Wadawurrung Country
Led by a team of young Aboriginal people, SBSS provides a culturally safe place for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Wadawurrung (Greater Geelong) region. The organisation runs programs designed to mentor and support, as well as connect local youth with their community and culture.
Cotton On Foundation supports SBSS in delivering regular youth groups and 1:1 mentoring sessions in a brand new youth hub. There is also access to Suicide Prevention Programs and a Family Support Program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families.
Stars Foundation | Supported by Supré Foundation
Stars Foundation aims to break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage for Indigenous girls and young women in Australia through quality in-school education programs that improve education, employment, health and wellbeing.
These programs place focus on ensuring Indigenous girls and young women attend and remain engaged at school, complete Year 12 and move into full-time work or further study. Investing in First Nations young women and providing opportunities for them to choose their path and fulfill their potential creates a powerful ripple effect and an enduring legacy for Australia.
House of Darwin | Yirrkala
Factorie is joining forces with Cotton On Foundation to support their partnership with House of Darwin. Located in East Arnhem land, House of Darwin are a social enterprise that reinvests proceeds back into social programs in remote Indigenous communities.
Together, they hope to raise $100,000 to refurbish a basketball court in Yirrkala, in North East Arnhem land through House of Darwin’s Hoop Dreams in the NT program. Basketball courts act as a central point of health, dance and wellbeing for many communities. Not only do they promote physical health, but they help people discover their own self identities and self-belief.