By Gemma Dawkins
At Mama Disrupt we are all about celebrating all the mamas, all the time. You are the unsung heroes, and we are the choir (but think less cummerbunds and hymns and more Kanye’s Sunday Service). This week it’s NAIDOC Week, so we’re shouting out some of our fave First Nations mamas doing the good stuff on the ‘gram – and in the real world. Whether it’s through advocacy, art, or baby wearing on the cover of Vogue (no biggie), these mamas are well worth a follow.
1 // Bobbi Lockyer
If you’re a rainbows and unicorns kinda gal, then photographer Bobbi Lockyer’s work is your jam. A proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul & Yawuru woman, she was the 2021 NAIDOC Artist of the year and it’s not hard to see why. Her photos are exquisite, and when you find out she’s a solo mama of no less than FOUR boys (OMG), you’ll fall even harder for this queen of the camera. Give her a follow here.
2 // Magnolia Maymuru
On the other side of the lens – and on the cover of Vogue, no less – is supermodel and supermama Magnolia Maymuru. A Yolgnu woman who hails from Arnhem Land, she was the first Indigenous model to make the finals of Miss World Australia when she was just a teenager. She’s only 25 but she’s already won an AACTA Award. And when she landed the coveted September issue cover of Vogue, she had baby Djararan strapped to her chest. Talk about mama magic. Follow her here.
3 // Nakkiah Lui
It’s a covergirl roundup over here! If Nakkiah Lui’s face looks familiar, maybe you’ve seen her on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar (so chill). The Gamillaroi and Torres Straight Islander woman ain’t just a pretty face, though. This powerhouse is a writer, actor, podcaster, producer, director, advocate, and really good at executing the perfect red lip. But she’s just about to release her most exciting project yet…her first bubba, coming earthside this year. Stay tuned!
4 // Miranda Tapsell
Speaking of Nakkiah, Australia’s darling Miranda Tapsell is the other half of this dynamic duo. We are all about a bestie sitch – getting through motherhood is a tough gig, let alone without the support of your mama crew. Fellow mama Miranda is a proud Larrakia woman and mother to baby girl Grace. Together, Nakkiah and Miranda have hosted a podcast, as well as appeared on panels, in profiles, and on the pages of glossy mags (living the dream). Of course, Miranda is one hell of a lady all by herself – from stealing our hearts in Love Child and The Sapphires to starring in Top End Girl. What a woman. Give her a follow here.
5 // Miimi & Jiinda
Calling all creatives – First Nations Mamas Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood are better known as Miimi & Jiinda and their brand of brightly coloured homewares, artworks, and fashion has seen them land collabs with everyone from Adairs to Jurlique. For the Bundjalung-Gumbaynggirr-Dunghutti mother-daughter duo, culture and creativity are intertwined, and mamas, they’ve even written a picture book and released a range of gorgeous bubba swaddles. Be sure to follow them so you don’t miss out!
Want more? Head to the magazine section of the site to read the cover story from Issue 15, featuring First Nations mama Kaleishia Ross.
