This NAIDOC Week, Indigenous entrepreneur and Brisbane Broncos player, Ryan James, is launching a new health food range called BSKT Native to celebrate all things indigenous to Australia, including native ingredients and aboriginal culture.
James’ goal is to educate the public around the health benefits of native foods, while providing funding and solutions to help problem areas within Aboriginal communities via his not-for-profit, the Ryan James Foundation.
“The first people of Australia have a known history of living in union with their land. Their knowledge of the land has been passed from generation to generation for tens of thousands of years, including indigenous bush foods,” James said.
“As a proud Bunjalung man of northern NSW, I’m excited to showcase these native foods to bring better health to customers in Australia and across the globe, whilst providing a circular economy and opportunities for my people.”
To combine indigenous food with art, James has teamed up with Katrina Graves to design BSKT Native’s packaging. Graves is a local artist and proud Wiradjuri Woman.
“I’ve always been encouraged to practise my culture and to teach others about our history and stories. For me, art is not only a powerful way to share our stories, it’s a way to educate people through different lenses,” Graves said.
“The opportunity to work with the BSKT team allows for my art to tell a story about the land we live on and my ancestors’ connection to food, health and wellbeing; making this an incredibly rewarding project to be part of.”
The first BSKT Native products to be launched include a range of plant-based chocolates and granolas featuring iconic Australian bush foods. All BSKT Native products are made on the Gold Coast, and profits from ingredients will be channelled towards helping local Indigenous communities.
Today, James and Graves will host a public event to celebrate the launch of BSKT Native, combined with an art workshop to provide a window into the cultural significance of aboriginal art, and an understanding of what NAIDOC Week means to Australia and its Indigenous people.
BSKT Native Launch event
Friday 8 July, 3-5pm
BSKT Cafe, 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach, Queensland 4218
There will be:
- Product tasting and samples
- Indigenous Art Workshop, hosted by Katrina Graves
- Giveaways and goodie bags