The 2019 Hoodie has landed, and it is carrying the voice of a generation of youngsters. For this year’s Hoodie Day we have been inspired by the theme of Australia’s NAIDOC: Voice. Treaty. Truth. For those of you across the globe in the AIME family that may not know what NAIDOC is, it is a week of celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year we will be focussing Hoodie Day on not only the iconic item of clothing, but on the voices that the hoodie represents. Iteka Ukarla. Iteka has created two artworks to represent Unity (front) and Kindness (back).

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Front

'Unity' - North, South, East and West, the 4 directions are all connected. Water flows through our country connecting us to each other and our land. We all sit around one circle, one earth. Everyone around the world can be united as one. Unity keeps us strong in ourselves and each other. 

Back

'Kindness' – Water is our connection, flowing through the land to the seas. Like water kindness flows in us all. One small act of kindness puts a drop on the water creating a ripple effect, spreading from one person to the next. With acts of kindness we can change the world.

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The artwork on this year’s Hoodie is designed by former AIME mentee, Iteka Ukarla. 

“Nangga, ngai mityi Iteka Ukarlanha. Ngai yura mityi Warrikanha. Ngaytu ngawarla Adnyamathanha, Narungga tha Yarliyandi. Ngaytju yarta Flinders Rangesnha, Yorke Peninsulanha tha Simpson Desertnha. 

Hello, my name is Iteka Ukarla. My Aboriginal name is Warrikanha, meaning second born girl. My language groups are Adnyamathanha, Narungga and Yarliyandi. My country is the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and the Simpson Desert. 

I am 18 years old and I live in Adelaide (Kaurna Country) with my family. I create art because I can tell the stories of my country and portray its beauty and meaning to people across Australia. I can tell stories about family, identity, and being Aboriginal. I like being able to create something that people are going to look at and wonder about. 

My inspiration comes from my culture, my country and my family. I find inspiration in artists and strong Aboriginal leaders, both past and present, like Raymond Walters Japanangka, Judy Watson Napangardi, Vincent Lingiari, David Unaipon, Deborah Mailman and Rachel Perkins, and so many others. All of these people are strong leaders and advocates for our culture and I find incredible inspiration in them not only for my art but for my life in general.

I will be starting university this year and I will be starting with an Arts degree. I am not sure yet of my major, but I am interested in anthropology and eventually working with youth and young offenders.

I believe that anybody can be an artist. You just need to have something to say or a story to tell, and have an inspiration that drives you.”

Fit: Regular fit, pullover hood, raglan sleeves, kangaroo pocket, lined hood, tonal drawcord.

Weight: Mid weight, 290 GSM

Colour: White Marle

Composition: 80% cotton 20% polyester