- Pack of 32 bookmarks with four unique designs
- Each bookmark measures 150 × 50 mm—ideal for school readers
- 300gsm card
- Space on the back for students to track their personal booklists
- Vivid, culturally significant artwork by Holly Sanders
- Made from durable cardstock to withstand daily use
These bookmarks offer more than just a placeholder—they initiate meaningful conversations about Country and culture while promoting literacy. Teachers can integrate them into reading programs, storytelling sessions, or art lessons that explore identity and heritage. A wonderful classroom keepsake that celebrates diversity, student voice, and the joy of reading.
Ocean Country. The ocean holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many First Nations people. The ocean and saltwater is central to many First Nations people’s Dreamings and totems. The surrounding land and sea together form ‘Ocean Country’. The detailed patterns, colours and flowing designs symbolise Ocean Country, and connection to the water and the land. Coastal environments are cared for by First Nations people through a system of strict, complex community responsibilities built up over thousands of generations. The vast network of rivers, estuaries and coastal regions found across country represents a rich source of food and culture.
Sacred Country. First Nations people have thrived and lived sustainably with the land we now call Australia for more than 60,000 years. We are spiritually and culturally connected to Country. The land, sky, waters, flora and fauna together all form ‘Country’. We sing, celebrate and dance about Country.
There are no flora, fauna, waters, mountains or stars in the sky that are not interconnected with our culture or kin. It is inherent to our identity and is more than a place. The very first footprints on this country were those belonging to First Nations people.
About the Artist
Holly Sanders is a proud Bundjalung woman from the North Coast of NSW, Australia. She currently lives and works as a teacher and artist on Dharawal and Yuin Countries. Through her art she aims to share her stories, culture and Country in a contemporary way.
Painting and maintaining cultural traditions is important for her identity, wellbeing and expresses the way she understands and respects her culture, ancestors and Country. She always looks to Country- the land, sky and the waters- and uses these images, stories and memories to paint. The patterns of Country at different times of the day and year influence heavily in her art.
Holly honours the continuing connection Bundjalung, Yuin and Dharawal people have to the land and acknowledges the stories, traditions and living cultures of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the oldest and longest continuing culture on the planet.
Instagram.com/hollysanders_art
Hollysandersart.com.au
