Model, artist Shanevia Chatfield talks through her relationship with the planet and her feelings on growing up as an Indigenous woman.
mn_Muse Shanenvia Chatfield
How is your relationship with the planet/nature? I fall more and more in love with Mother Earth every time I get to encounter her beauty. She has so much to offer and so much to provide for all of us, all at just a simple request of us looking after her.
What does nature look like in your daily life? I am very blessed to be currently living right near the ocean. I find that just one glance at the glistening water and hearing the waves crash against the sand is so therapeutic. A great way to cleanse the mind and soul. My traditional connections are from Coonabarabran which is a much drier and bush-like scene, so I definitely feel as if I connect more with that type of nature. However, as a become more in tune with my sense of identity and spirit, my connection to the land is becoming broader.
What inspires you every day to get out of bed in the morning? or go to bed at night? My passion for my culture and my people. As a proud Gamilaroi Woman, and looking at current circumstances of Australia, I feel a great urge to use my voice to raise awareness of these important issues we are facing and to bring people together. I stand strongly in continuing the legacy of my ancestors, and to share their stories of strength and resilience.
What is your routine for your own self-love? How do you implement this into your daily life? Self-love has been something that I have been deeply exploring recently. I am abandoning old ways and habits that were self-sabotaging and welcoming new ways that remind me of my self-worth. I find that holding myself accountable is the main thing and giving my self the love that I give so generously to others.
Tell us your story, how you become to work in the fashion industry in Australia today? Growing up as an Indigenous woman in a white society came with a lot of struggle. The main struggle that many other Indigenous people experience also, the ongoing battle of colonisation. I always felt saddened by the fact that a voice about strength and survival was being silenced. The type of model I really want to be is a role model, and a model with purpose. I try to use my platform as a way to amplify the voices of First Nations people, the original protectors of this beautiful country. Our stories of resilience should be heard and embraced.
Tell us where you grew up as a child and the story of your family’s heritage? My Traditional connections are from Coonabarabran and the Warrumbungle Mountains. However, I grew up on the coastal town known as Port Macquarie which is on the beautiful land of the Biripi People. My family and I are proud descendants of the Gamilaroi people, and we are always reminded to never forget who we are or where we come from.
What is your favourite madre natura garment and why? They are all individually meaningful and unique pieces so choosing one would is very difficult. I love what madre natura stands for, and I see each garment as an extension of their vision.
How do you see the Australian Fashion industry becoming more sustainable in the future? I think it is completely up to the consumers and creators to decide which path we take. The sooner we deepen our understandings of the environmental consequences from consumerism, the sooner we can learn to nurture the earth more.
Which of our brand values do you love the most? These are all values that we need to see more of in our world today! I think ethical stands out the most to me as we see a lot of ‘successful’ brands today that may be performing well financially, but they lack purpose and good intention. I love the people who stay true to their vision and never let external factors water down their authenticity. It’s so important to stay true to your morals and beliefs, and madre natura is the perfect embodiment of this.
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