Delicate Artist Meets Finance Bro

Using my art in the corporate world to create more unity

A visual timeline of indigenous economic history of New Zealand. A graphic recording by artist Rhiannon James

This month I worked with the Central Banks Network for Indigenous Inclusion (CBNII). The CBNII is a group made up of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Reserve Bank of Australia, Federal Reserve (USA) and Bank of Canada. Their aim is to raise awareness of indigenous economic and financial issues.

I was delighted to be included for this two-day symposium that New Zealand was hosting this year. We heard about the barriers and systems that prevent full inclusivity and equality for indigenous and First Nations folk, and made plans to change this.

Though some of the stories were heartbreaking at times, I was left feeling uplifted and inspired by the many indigenous groups around the world, working to create pathways to financial inclusion for people. Whether that be pathways into existing systems or building upon specific routes of their own, that have always been there.

Above is a snapshot from the symposium — we started with a lean timeline showing the different impacts, agreements and organisations that New Zealand has had over the years.