Rayleen Brown, Kings Narrative and IMAA members. Credit: IMAA
The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) is calling on the media industry to back Indigenous businesses during NAIDOC Week.
The industry body has asked its members to “Buy Blak” July 6–13, encouraging investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned enterprises.
IMAA CEO Sam Buchanan said it was a “simple, but powerful” ask.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for us as an organisation to step into something meaningful, confronting and transformative,” he said.
“We want to make our actions louder than our statements.
“We’re encouraging all our members, along with the broader national media industry, to ‘Buy Blak’ this NAIDOC Week and look for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island-owned enterprises to support.
“Whether it’s engaging Indigenous caterers, using bush foods and native teas, sourcing printing, office furniture, accounting, business consulting or event management services from a First Nations business, these aren’t just purchases, this is about investing in the future of our Indigenous communities.”
The IMAA has backed Indigenous initiatives since its launch, supporting its First Nations partner Kings Narrative, initiating cultural immersion programs, and introducing what it says was the industry’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.
During a recent cultural trip to Alice Springs, 12 senior IMAA members engaged directly with Kings Narrative’s programs in health, wellbeing, employment and leadership for Aboriginal men.
The delegation also met with Kungkas Can Cook founder Rayleen Brown, whose social enterprise supports local Aboriginal women and promotes native foods.
“Through our partnership with Kings Narrative, we’ve learned that allyship is a doing word, it’s about deep reflection, acknowledging our shared history, understanding the role we play in driving change and most importantly, taking action,” Buchanan said.
Kings Narrative managing director Jessica Carmody said the initiative isn’t charity, it’s economic justice.
“It’s about shifting the power, and Blak businesses play a big role in that by employing Aboriginal people, investing directly in their communities, circulating wealth where it’s most needed, breaking down barriers and improving lives,” she said.
The IMAA is encouraging members to explore verified First Nations-owned businesses through the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), and to buy art directly from Indigenous artists, including through No Fixed Gallery.
Agencies are also being directed to sourcing support via SpeakWrite Consulting, and to native ingredients supplier Kungkas Can Cook.
NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrates 50 years of honouring Indigenous culture and voices under the theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
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