Looking for a meaningful and respectful way to celebrate National Reconciliation Week or NAIDOC Week in your workplace?
Hosting an afternoon tea with Ilan Style is a beautiful way to bring your team together, honour First Nations culture, and start meaningful conversations.
Why It Matters
Both Reconciliation Week (27 May 2025 –3 June 2025) and NAIDOC Week (6 July 2025 - 13 July 2025) are about respect, reflection, and recognition. They’re the perfect time to pause, learn, and celebrate the strength, stories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
An Ilan Style afternoon tea:
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Supports First Nations-owned business
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Showcases native Australian ingredients and Traditional Knowledge
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Encourages shared learning and cultural connection in your workplace
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Gives back to community via the Ilan Style Fellowship - a Torres Strait Islander language revitalisation initiative
“When you hold our tea in your hands, you place meaningful change in ours. Our tea is symbolic of reciprocity in action.”
- Kerry Arabena, proud Meriam woman and Ilan Style Founder
Host a Meaningful Afternoon Tea
Getting together for a cuppa is the perfect way to create a warm, inclusive space for your team to gather, share and reflect. Here’s how:
Serve Native Teas & Treats
Offer a selection of native Australian teas from our range—featuring ingredients such as lemon myrtle, river mint, or kakadu plum. Pair with local snacks or light bites that complement the flavours.
Acknowledge Country
Open the gathering with an Acknowledgement of Country, and invite anyone to speak about what the week’s theme means to them.
Learn Together
Take this opportunity to share resources and information with your team about the significance of National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, so that you can all learn together. We've put together a few lovely resources for you to print out and share with your colleagues and friends:
- A guide to NAIDOC Week
- First Nations Allyship in the Workplace
- A guide to National Reconciliation Week
Start Conversations with Kindness
Have everyone take turns pulling an affirmation card, and saying what it means to them. Written by our founder Kerry Arabena, these cards are designed to encourage thoughtful intention into your day.
Add a Creative Touch
Include First Nations-designed decorations or artworks. You might even display the year’s NAIDOC or NRW theme poster to set the tone.
Make It Last Beyond One Week
Whether you're hosting a tea, giving a gift, or simply having a conversation, remember:
Reconciliation and celebration aren't just for one week. These moments can inspire long-term learning and action.
At Ilan Style, we’re proud to offer products and experiences that connect people to Country, Culture, and Community—with care and intention.
Let’s celebrate, reflect, and walk together.
How to Host Your Own Ilan Style Afternoon Tea
Want to host your own Ilan Style afternoon tea this National Reconciliation Week or NAIDOC Week? Shop the High Tea Hamper.
