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Bessie Nakamarra Sims

Bessie Nakamarra Sims was born in the bush in the 1930s and lived for many years before coming into contact with white people at Mt. Doreen Station, west of Yuendumu.

Bessie lived in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community located 290 kms north-west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Bessie was the wife of Paddy Japaljarri Sims (deceased), a renowned artist both nationally and internationally, who painted with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu.

Bessie was one of the most valued members of the Warlukurlangu Artists Community. She painted consistently with Warlukurlangu Artists since the centre was first established in 1985 and exhibited both in Australia and internationally in group exhibitions.

Bessie painted her Jukurrpa stories, Dreamings which related directly to her ancestral homelands.

“I like painting because it's my Dreaming, from my father and grandfather's side. I like to teach kids my Dreaming. I want everyone to know my Dreaming from all over the world. I know and they can know"

Bessie had seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bessie passed away in Yuendumu in May 2012 surrounded by her extended family. Some of her last words were:

"Japaljarri (my husband) is calling me, he is waiting for me".

Customer Reviews

Mainie is a brand I proudly wear for so many reasons. I love that each scarf has a story and that I know with each piece funds go back to the woman that designed it. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and the high quality, I have had my scarves for many years now and they are so versatile from wearing them to do presentations or going out for lunch. I stand for empowering women and standing proud in your individuality and Mainie embodies this in every way.

Lesley Clarke

Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear and the merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.

Tanya, Emily and Elizabeth

I love the Mainie Scarves, for myself and as the perfect gift. They are investment pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for life. I love travel and one or two scarves are always included in my luggage. They are perfect on the plane and for dressing up outfits. I take a Merino scarf for cooler climates and silk ones everywhere else. However, the very best part is the ethical basis of the brand. I know I support a woman artist from a First Nations community when I purchase something from Mainie. They look good and do good at the same time.

Jo Pyne

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OUR PLEDGE

Preserving our natural environment for a healthier planet

Founded by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine Saunders in 2012, Mainie is a Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the resilience, strength and pride of Australia’s First Nations people and their communities. Mainie is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and to keep alive their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.