Tidda Dolls

‘Tidda doll's’ were created by a joint partnership with Operation Sunshine WA to provide some cultural component to children and young people fleeing from domestic violence and/or going into ‘out of home care.’ It was a tool created to accompany Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to stay connected with their culture while on their own personal journeys.

Tidda doll’s themselves paid tribute to their families, their culture and the strength of our people, it was a reminder that no matter where they are and when they are ready family, culture will be waiting for you return. This is a bit close to my heart being a foster child growing up with many different careers and people I always longed for something that reminded me of home and at the end of this somewhat difficult journey I had a place to connect too.

Tidda I guess is the universal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander word for ‘Sister’ and it represents sisterhood, strength as women, mothers, sisters, aunties, nans and great nans and is accepted by transgender Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, we are all one and like all sisters we are queens, matriarchs carriers of the future generations.

NOTE: I am 100% aware of support of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and men having their own dolls and I promise I have not forgotten our Deadly men, they will be called ‘Warriors.’

Quote: ‘I finally have a doll that looks like me.’ 10 year old Aboriginal foster child in a Non-Aboriginal placement. ‘Aunty Sal these are deadly, they look like us, they don’t have the winyarn Barbie look and packed with makeup, they’re just normal Aboriginal girls.’