Pakana Dreaming, a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned business founded by Pakana artist and designer Kartika Medcraft-Smith, has proudly launched its first wearable art clothing collection.

Described as an expression of culture, story and identity brought to life on Ngunnawal Country, the collection is an engaging reflection of how culture can be imprinted onto fashion garments.

"This clothing line, featuring my original artworks, was intended to be a way to share my ancestral stories and ensure my children know and understand their history," said Medcraft-Smith.

"Putting it on clothing means we are wrapped up in the spirit, strength and resilience of our ancestors and culture.

"Watching the models, mostly people from our local First Nations community transform from shyness, insecurity and not 100 per cent sure what they were doing, to these staunch, sassy and confident runway warriors has been the highlight of this journey."

Medcraft-Smith said she is "constantly inspired" by the "strong and connected First Nations community here in Canberra, particularly the creative sector".

"I have had incredible support and encouragement and have been elevated to shine by other designers and creatives in the community, and without them, this collection would never have come to fruition," she said.

This month, fourteen proud First Nations women and children gathered on the Gungahlin Hill reserve, a culturally significant site surrounded by scar trees, to mark the moment. What unfolded was more than a photoshoot; it was a deeply spiritual and healing experience grounded in culture, reclamation and collective strength.

The all-Aboriginal creative collaboration celebrated the official release of the new Pakana Dreaming collection.

Photographer Jess Whaler of Yuluwirri Studios captured the day, while pieces were complemented with handcrafted adornments by Weave and Clay by Bagirram, bringing the clothing to life in harmony with the serene and significant landscape.

Traditional ochre sent from Kartika's lutruwita home country was used to paint the models, depicting the gathering of women or their matriarch journey, ensured Pakana culture was shared and embraced, inviting the ancestors to help the women see and think clearly.

The Gungahlin Hill site holds deep personal meaning for Kartika, a place of healing and connection.

Through this gathering, it became a space of joy, cultural pride and empowerment, witnessing the emergence of a strong and connected community of First Nations women living on Ngunnawal Country.

Representing more than 11 Aboriginal Nations from across the ACT, Tasmania, Victoria, WA, SA and NSW — Ngunnawal, Pakana, Djadjawurrung, Noongar, Karajarri, Wiradjuri, Dunghutti, Gumbaynggir, Gamilaroi, Bundjalung and Yankunytjatjara—the women embodied the true meaning of Canberra, derived from the Ngunnawal word for 'meeting place'.

Their presence reflected unity, diversity and shared strength across Nations.

"Kristie Peters, from Blaklabel Dreaming has been instrumental. She is such an incredible, talented and generous soul," said Medcraft-Smith.

"The determination, care, coordination, experience and mentorship of Sarah Bolt, nurturing and developing these models into these glittering diamonds, has been incredible to watch.

"Her passion and vision for blak fashion in the region and country is so exciting and I am absolutely committed to be on this journey with her."

Medcraft-Smith said the project opened "incredible" collaboration opportunities that were "a perfect representation of reconciliation".

"Non-Indigenous couture designer Vicky Kidd-Gallichan, of Rockstars and Royalty, helped create my couture pieces. Her talent, experience and support made the finale an absolute show stopper. I am a great ideas person, but she helped bring it to life," she said.

The collection itself is deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing on core artworks that express intergenerational themes of motherhood, movement, ceremony and survival. These narratives are translated into wearable designs, allowing culture to be carried, seen and lived in everyday life.

The vibrant, easy-care high-quality clothing line is designed to celebrate culture and strengthen connection to Country for First Nations peoples and allies alike.

An invitation to showcase at the 2027 Fashique Runway in Brisbane already locked in.

Beyond fashion, the label represents a broader vision—one that elevates Aboriginal cultural visibility, supports economic participation, and inspires future generations of First Nations creatives.

"My ultimate goal with Pakana Dreaming is to inspire other women and First Nations people to follow their aspirations, share their stories and show the world exactly how we continue to be the worlds oldest living culture," said Medcraft-Smith.

The photoshoot and image release received consent and blessing from Ngunnawal Elder, Aunty Caroline Hughes.

The project was supported by a YWCA Canberra 2026 Great Ydeas Small Grant.

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