K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation partners with Pura to see Sandalwood communities thrive
K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation (KFDF) is a non-profit organisation that champions, funds, and builds capability for Aboriginal communities to lead and achieve their cultural, community, and Country objectives, protecting Traditional Sandalwood lands, strengthening cultural identity, and enhancing economic livelihoods and community well-being.
We are thrilled to announce a transformative and collaborative partnership with Pura - a US-based fragrance company committed to supporting social and environmental outcomes for Indigenous people through their ethical supply chains.
This partnership is an important step as it directly improves economic outcomes for both Martu artists and Indigenous communities on sandalwood lands in WA.
Pura have launched a new collection of home fragrances called ‘Pura X Dutjahn” created to honour Martu culture, share their deep respect for the environment, and uphold sacred traditions. Dutjahn means Sandalwood in English and the tree is sacred to Aboriginal cultures. The new fragrance collection is made from Australian Sandalwood Oil distilled by Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils (DSO), a 50% Indigenous owned enterprise and UN Equator Prize-winner and funder of KFDF. DSO’s vision is to be a completely sustainable, ethical, and responsible botanical extracts company, creating genuine opportunities for Indigenous Australians and delivering meaningful returns to all stakeholders – a vision deeply aligned with KFDF’s goals.
Through this partnership, Martu artists were commissioned to produce artwork for Pura’s Dutjahn fragrance packaging. The artwork was created on the artists’ ancestral land - the Gibson Desert of Western Australia - where Australian sandalwood is grown under the care of Traditional Owners. A percentage of sales from the new Pura x Dutjahn fragrance collection will be dedicated to funding vital programs through KFDF, empowering Indigenous communities, safeguarding cultural heritage, and protecting land for future generations. This partnership reflects how business and charitable organisations can become a powerful vehicle for impact, connecting Traditional owners and sustainable enterprise with international markets whilst ensuring its story is told with respect for Indigenous traditions, culture and land.
Artwork by Cynthia Morgan, “Minma Kutjarra Nanpira”, selected for the packaging of the Pura’s ‘Pura x Dutjahn’ fragrance.
For Martu people, painting is a way to preserve oral histories, share their culture and support their communities.
Walking alongside Indigenous Communities
KFDF are dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through initiatives that uphold cultural heritage and promote self-reliance. Our land management and community programs focus on supporting community-led goals such as transferring knowledge from Elders to youth, ensuring that traditional practices are preserved and adapted for future generations and building skills in contemporary land management practices. By partnering with Pura, we can establish a consistent source of funding that supports community-led endeavours, fostering strong, resilient communities deeply connected to their cultural heritage. As part of deepening the Pura – KFDF partnership, Pura were invited to the artists’ ancestral land in the remote Gibson Desert to experience firsthand the cultural and ecological significance of the region. The Pura team camped alongside the Martu community, gaining insights into traditional ways of life and observing the land stewardship practices that are safeguarding sandalwood land and its surrounding environment.
Sustainable Sandalwood Stewardship
Sandalwood is the only renewable resource available to Indigenous communities, making its stewardship vital to both people and the planet. Our foundation emphasizes Traditional Ownership land management practices, including the propagation of seeds from ancient mother trees to maintain genetic diversity and ecological balance. These efforts ensure that sandalwood remains a renewable resource for future generations, aligning with our mission to support sustainable enterprises for Indigenous communities on sandalwood lands.
Integrating Cultural Wisdom with Modern Sustainability
We believe in integrating cultural wisdom with modern sustainability practices to create a vibrant and resilient future. Our partnership with Pura exemplifies this approach as we fund initiatives that combine traditional knowledge with contemporary methods to manage and protect sandalwood lands and support community’s capability goals – creating pathways for education, enterprise and economic opportunities, and leadership growth that align with Indigenous values and aspirations.
A Commitment to Indigenous-Led Solutions
Through this kind of partnership, companies like Pura have an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to Indigenous-led solutions, ensuring that Indigenous people shape their futures while sharing sandalwood’s transformative power globally. This partnership is a testament to a shared vision for impact, reflecting our dedication to preserving Indigenous rights, protecting Country, and creating economic opportunities.
To contribute to our work, you can donate here.
Junior Morgan is a Martu elder and a traditional land steward of Western Australia. Photo by James Roh.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.