What is Cultural Appropriation & Why Embrace Aboriginal Heritage?
Welcome to Nesian Kulture, where we showcase the vibrant cultures of the Pacific Islands with the full support and blessings of the artists themselves. We want to make it clear: we're not about cultural appropriation. In fact, we take pride in understanding what cultural appropriation is and actively work to avoid it. Our goal is appreciation, not appropriation.
Our journey started with a deep connection to Tongan heritage, reflecting my own roots and those of my family. As our family expanded to include a mix of Samoan, Fijian, Maori, Niuean, Kiwi, Australian, and more, we felt a responsibility to represent our diverse backgrounds authentically.
What makes us different is our commitment to collaboration. Each piece in our collection has been created with the permission and support of the artists from various Pacific Island communities. This isn't about taking or exploiting cultureâit's about celebrating it together.
Cultural appropriation happens when elements of a culture are used without permission or understanding, often leading to misrepresentation or disrespect. We've taken steps to ensure that every aspect of our work, from creation to presentation, honours the origins and meanings behind the art we showcase.
By supporting Nesian Kulture, you're supporting a platform that values mutual respect, fair compensation, and proper credit for artists. Together, we're showcasing the beauty and richness of Pacific Island cultures in a way that promotes unity and appreciation.
Why Embrace Aboriginal Heritage?
Celebrating Unity in Diversity
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We understand why you might wonder why we've included Aboriginal people alongside Pacific Islanders in our brand. It's a question we get a lot, and I'm happy to share our story with you.
You see, we're all about celebrating diversity. Even though traditionally Aboriginal people aren't considered part of the Pacific Islands geographically, we've had such a warm response from the Aboriginal community wanting to be part of what we do. So, we thought, why not come together as one big inclusive family?
I've noticed so many mixed-blood Pacific Islander and Aboriginal children, and let me tell you, it's just beautiful. I'm Susan, and I'm a mix of Tongan and Swedish descent myself. That personal connection makes me even more passionate about including everyone's heritage in our brand.
Although we celebrate mixed backgrounds, we also honour each design's core background, preserving the meanings and stories behind them. We believe that staying true to these roots adds depth and authenticity to our creations.
We truly believe that having all these different backgrounds makes us stronger and adds so much richness to our story. It's all about embracing who we are and celebrating the beauty of diversity together.
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Honouring Personal Stories
At Nesian Kulture, we believe in celebrating the richness of personal connections within our diverse community. One of our most cherished moments was naming a gym bag "Malia" after a beloved community member who embodies the fusion of Tongan and Aboriginal Indigenous heritage.
This act symbolizes the depth of our connections and the unique stories that weave together to form our collective narrative. It's a testament to the beauty of diversity and the individual journeys that contribute to our shared experiences.
We are real people who care deeply about cultural respect, inclusivity, and making a meaningful difference through art. Each product we create carries a story, a heritage, and a connection to the people and cultures that inspire us.
Join us in honoring personal stories, celebrating diversity, and embracing the beauty of cultural fusion at Nesian Kulture.