Celebrating First Nations Fashion, Culture and Creativity
Canberra Centre is proud to host the 2026 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) Showcase Tour, bringing the work of Australia's leading First Nations designers and artists to the heart of the city.
Presented in partnership with QIC, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAF) and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), this inspiring exhibition celebrates the creativity, innovation and cultural storytelling of First Nations fashion from across Australia.
As part of QIC's ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating First Nations fashion, culture and creativity, Canberra Centre will showcase the work of the 2026 NIFA award recipients, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with contemporary Indigenous fashion and design and experience the stories, cultures and perspectives woven through each collection.
The NIFA Winners Showcase Tour reognises exceptional talent and highlights the strength, diversity and innovation of Australia's First Nations fashion industry.
Visit Canberra Centre to discover the artistry, craftsmanship and creativity of some of the stunning work from First Nations designers and artists.
The NIFA Showcase display is located on Level 1, near MECCA.
2026 NIFA Winners
Textile Design Award
Supported by RMIT University
Winner: Lillardia Briggs-Houston
Nation/People: Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta and Gangalu
Location: New South Wales
Work on Display: Hand-dyed silk organza top and skirt
Wearable Art Award
Supported by Pacific Werribee
Winner: Lucy Simpson
Nation/People: Yuwaalaraay
Location: New South Wales
Work on Display: Glass Dhanggal Nhiigilirr - sand-cast glass river mussel shell necklace on nhungga (hand-twined kurrajong bark string)
Community Collaboration Award
Supported by QIC
Winners: Bábbarra Women's Centre x Tharangini Studio
Nation/People: Kunibidji, Kuninjku, Kune, Gurr-goni and Burarra
Locations: Maningrida, Northern Territory and Bengaluru, India
Work on Display: Hand-painted top and skirt
Fashion Designer Award
Supported by Country Road
Winner: Delvene Cockatoo-Collins
Nation/People: Nunukul, Ngugi and Goenpul
Location: Queensland
Works on Display: Shell-adorned bolero, Shell-adorned crop, Hand-painted skirt, Shell-adorned bag
Traditional Adornment Award
Supported by Desart
Winner: Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni
Nation/People: Tiwi
Location: Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
Works on Display: Tunga (bark basket) and parmijini (headband and armbands)
Business Achievement Award
Supported by Canberra Centre
Winner: Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art (KAFTA)
Region: Kimberley, Western Australia
Location: Broome, Western Australia
This award recipient is represented within the showcase; however, works are not on display.
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award
Supported by Franchesca Cubillo
Winner: Jake Powers
Nation/People: Yawuru, Bardi and Kija
Location: Broome, Western Australia
Please note: Not all award-winning works are physically displayed within the Canberra Centre exhibition. The showcase presents a curated selection of garments, adornments and artworks from the 2026 National Indigenous Fashion Awards winners.
Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Notice
The cultural knowledge, stories, designs, cultural expressions, and other Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property embodied in these works remain the cultural and intellectual property of the respective Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, designers, communities, and Traditional Custodians.
These works must not be reproduced, adapted, photographed for commercial use, or used without appropriate cultural authority and permission from the relevant artist, designer, Art Centre and/or community.
Event Location
Glass Floor, Level 1 outside MECCA
