Program Forgers Trade Relation between Indigenous Australia and PNG Entrepreneurs
Australian Government supported pilot program, Laikim Sister, was a first of its kind, Indigenous business exchange program.
It focused on re-igniting trade and knowledge sharing in traditional foods and medicines, cultural tourism, and creative industries, between PNG and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesswomen.
Through the program the women built deep, people-to-people connections and trust which ultimately enabled trade outcomes.
“We don’t trade with strangers, we trade with friends”, said Anthea Smits, CEO of the Difference Incubator (TDi) who delivered the program in partnership with PNG creative and cultural advisors.
The best example of this is the ongoing trade discussions between program sisters Carol Vale of Game Enough? who plans to buy green coffee beans from Nellie Vamari of Central Mamina Coffee.
The women connected when Carol shared the story of her great uncle who fought in the Owen Stanley Ranges, which is where Nellie sources her beans from.
Their story highlights the power of long-standing people-to-people connections between Australia and PNG that weave back through generations, and the ability of a program like Laikim Sister to re-build bridges.
Further, the program highlighted that women are more likely to build businesses that benefit their community.
“It’s very hard work, but the rewards are wonderful because you get to contribute not just to your own economic growth but to others as well,” one participant said.
The women in the program were inspired by their sisters and encouraged to be leaders in their field.
“This has been an inspiring program. Reminds me that I am not alone on my business journey. I have the love and courage and strength of all my sisters to draw from… the strength of my sisters' stories will continue to give me strength on my journey,” said one participant.
The name – Laikim Sister – means to love, care for and look after your sister, and the word (Laikim) is used both in Tok Pisin and Torres Strait Islander language.
The program was able to achieve this, becoming a symbol of what is possible when Indigenous women unite.
Picture: Anthea Smiths, CEO TDi (sourced from tdi.org.au)
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| Anthea Smiths, CEO TDi (sourced from tdi.org.au) |
Through the program the women built deep, people-to-people connections and trust which ultimately enabled trade outcomes.
“We don’t trade with strangers, we trade with friends”, said Anthea Smits, CEO of the Difference Incubator (TDi) who delivered the program in partnership with PNG creative and cultural advisors.
The best example of this is the ongoing trade discussions between program sisters Carol Vale of Game Enough? who plans to buy green coffee beans from Nellie Vamari of Central Mamina Coffee.
The women connected when Carol shared the story of her great uncle who fought in the Owen Stanley Ranges, which is where Nellie sources her beans from.
Their story highlights the power of long-standing people-to-people connections between Australia and PNG that weave back through generations, and the ability of a program like Laikim Sister to re-build bridges.
Further, the program highlighted that women are more likely to build businesses that benefit their community.
“It’s very hard work, but the rewards are wonderful because you get to contribute not just to your own economic growth but to others as well,” one participant said.
The women in the program were inspired by their sisters and encouraged to be leaders in their field.
“This has been an inspiring program. Reminds me that I am not alone on my business journey. I have the love and courage and strength of all my sisters to draw from… the strength of my sisters' stories will continue to give me strength on my journey,” said one participant.
The name – Laikim Sister – means to love, care for and look after your sister, and the word (Laikim) is used both in Tok Pisin and Torres Strait Islander language.
The program was able to achieve this, becoming a symbol of what is possible when Indigenous women unite.
Picture: Anthea Smiths, CEO TDi (sourced from tdi.org.au)
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