Bonds backs First Nations storytelling in new deal
Australian clothing brand Bonds has confirmed a new partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) in a bid to drive future storytelling within First Nations communities.
ILF is a national charity of the Australian book industry, which aims to share books and resources created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, spotlighting intergenerational strengths, knowledges and wisdoms of First Nations Peoples across the country.
Since 2011, the Foundation has worked with more than 500 remote communities, gifted over one million books, supported 116 playgroups through its early literacy Book Buzz program, and published 235 books in 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Through this partnership, Bonds will support ILF across 2026–2027, including launching a storytelling initiative developed with a remote Indigenous community, with further details to be shared at a later date.
Beyond this, Bonds will use its platform to drive awareness of the ILF’s work, shining a light on First Nations stories, languages and communities across Australia.
“At Bonds, we believe great stories start close to home,” Bonds head of marketing Kedda Ghazarian said.
“Partnering with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is our way of championing the voices that have shaped Australia’s story for over 65,000 years – and making sure every new generation gets to keep writing it.”
Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s director of programs and publishing, Zoe Cassim, said gaining support from businesses such as Bonds provides platforms and opportunities for First Nations storytellers.
“Support from organisations such as Bonds provides platforms for the entire country to connect with the special and longstanding work of Australia’s First Storytellers,” Ms Cassim said.
“This partnership highlights the value of every child having the right to see themselves and their languages in the books they read.”
* Bonds is owned by HanesBrands in the United States, and is run by Hanes Australasia locally.
