Let’s face it, we’re all going to be on TikTok tonight. Instead of grabbing the old pottery wheel or skydiving at 11pm, we’ll be cocooned under our bedsheets, the warm glow of drama and memes to keep us company.
If you’re like us and love to scroll on TikTok, we’ve got some great First Nations creators for you to follow. As we come up on January 26, it’s a timely reminder that it’s important to listen to First Nations voices all year round, and these creators are some of our favourites.
From Aboriginal comedians to designers, artists, and more, TikTok gives us an opportunity to see, hear, and engage with Indigenous perspectives and stories that we might not find anywhere else.
Here are five First Nations creators that you need to follow for now and forever.
Bianca Hunt
Bianca Hunt is a Kamilaroi, Barkindji, Ballardong, and Wadjak woman living on Gadigal Country. On TikTok, she discusses fashion, media, and establishing Australia’s first Indigenous talent agency, Agnt Blak.
@_biancahunt_♬ original sound – Bianca ??♀️
In our favourite Bianca TikTok, she explains that you don’t need a new ‘fit every time you go to an event. She proves this by wearing a lit blazer that she’s worn to a million different events.
If you want to follow Bianca Hunt on TikTok, click the link here.
Isaac Compton
Isaac Compton is a proud Munanjali, Minjungbul, and Wiradjuri man born in Griffith, NSW. On TikTok, Isaac posts side-splitting comedy bits that have racked up over four million likes.
@isaac.compton Language ? #fyp #blackfullatiktok #aboriginaltiktok #maoritiktok #kooritiktok #aboriginal #kooritok ♬ Quirky – Oleg Kirilkov
Our favourite TikTok from Isaac has to be where he translates English words into Gamilaroi. Things start off simple enough, with “hello” becoming “yaama.” However, his translations quickly descend into chaos. At the end of this TikTok, Isaac claims that in Gamilaroi, “husband” is “dead, dying, dumb dog.”
If you want to follow Isaac Compton on TikTok, click the link here.
Cindy Rostron
Cindy Rostron is a Kune, Dalabon, and Rembarrnga woman from Arnhem Land. On TikTok, Cindy is best known for posting vlogs and dance content. As it stands, she has over five million likes.
@cindy_rostron She is the QUEEN!! ?? #fyp #Barkaa ♬ original sound – Nene?
One of Cindy’s best TikToks is of her demonstrating how she reacts when a Barkaa rap starts playing. The way she drops her drink bottle and starts dancing is beyond iconic.
If you want to follow Cindy Rostron on TikTok, click the link here.
Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson is one of the most beloved First Nations creators on TikTok. Since 2019, her content has been a delightful mix of personal stories, comedy, and memes. Her channel has ballooned in recent years, and we can see why.
@howdoidelete1 They slay tbh #barbiefilter ♬ Barbie Girl – Aqua
Emily’s most hilarious (and tragic) TikTok is one where she tries an AI Barbie filter. This programme is meant to create a drawing of Emily as a Barbie. Instead, it transforms her into a gorgeous Asian man, showing that AI isn’t the most reliable tech when it comes to depicting First Nations people.
If you want to follow Emily Johnson on TikTok, click the link here.
Ian Zaro
Ian Zaro is a Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal, and South Sea Islander man from Townsville, Queensland. On TikTok, Ian is best known for making TikToks that will have you in stitches. As it stands, Ian’s page has a whopping 48 million likes.
@ianz95I’m Indigenous Australian ?♬ original sound – Ian Zaro
During one of Ian’s recent TikToks, he plays around with First Nations stereotypes. For example, Ian jokes that some Indigenous Australians don’t pay their rent in honour of Tony Abbott. For reference, when Abbott was Prime Minister back in 2013, he had the taxpayers subsidise a house he was renting for $3,000 per week, that he didn’t actually reside in.
If you want to follow Ian Zaro on TikTok, click the link here.
Related: 10 Iconic Australian Films Made by First Nations Directors
Related: “We Aren’t Objects” — Daniel King Talks Jan 26, Reclamation, and His Latest Documentary
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