This NAIDOC Week, Indigenous entrepreneur and Brisbane Broncos player, Ryan James, will launch a new health food range, BSKT Native, to celebrate Indigenous foods and culture.
James said his goal was to help educate the public around the health benefits of native foods, whilst 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.
“As a proud Bundjalung man of northern NSW, I'm excited to showcase these native foods to bring better health to customers in Australia and across the globe, while providing a circular economy and opportunities for my people,” said James.
There are five products in the range:
- Veganola Native Davidson Plum & Strawberry Gum
- Native Superfood Bar - Finger Lime & Coconut
- Native Superfood Bar - Choc Davidson Plum
- Native Chocolate Block - Davidson Plum
- Native Chocolate Bar - Dark & Salty
James is working with a host of local native ingredient suppliers to provide quality Australian bush native ingredients and plans to work with Indigenous owned companies whenever possible, with a particular focus on the Tweed region of the Bundjalung Nation.
The packaging is 100 per cent recyclable and the Veganola pouches are biodegradable and suitable for REDcycle. Noissue compostable packaging company supplies boxes for delivery, tapes and infill made from renewable plant sources.
BSKT Native’s packaging was designed by local artist and Wiradjuri woman, Katrina Graves.
“I've always been encouraged to practice my culture and to teach others about our history and stories. For me, art is not only a great way to share our stories but to educate people through different lenses.
“The art found within the BSKT packaging allows me to tell a story about our sacred land and my ancestors' connection to food, health and wellbeing,” said Graves.
BSKT Native products are available at leading health food stores.
