03. Our Mission. Our Vision. Our Legacy.
About Us
Reshaping the future of content creation and consumption, redefining how we watch, share, and experience stories, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, represented, and celebrated.
Stories have the power to connect us to our past, our present, and our future. By honoring and sharing traditional knowledge through storytelling, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious world. It starts with story.
Indigenous knowledge holds the key to addressing all the challenges of our time – not just environmental, but in ways of governance, family, community, finance… The application of traditional knowledge extends to all aspects of our human-based societies. By integrating Indigenous thinking into our collective consciousness, Earth Legacy aims to inspire a return to a way of being that is in harmony with the Earth, rather than exploiting it. That is the start of every project, woven into the fabric of each creative endeavour.
Earth Legacy is a social good creative studio founded and lead by documentary photographer Andrew D Flanagan and his mentor Dig Jones. What was first drawn out in the sands by a campfire on Wonnorua territory in New South Wales Australia turned into a vehicle to do what was asked by their elders; to help bring everyone back under the lore of the land. Every project we collaborate on seeks to do just that – to redefine our relationship with the environment, with each other, with ourselves, and our mother earth.
As Dig says, ‘we are the ancestors of the future. It is our moral imperative to reimagine our place in the circle of life, not at the center but as a part of the whole, living under the lore of the land and in the pattern of creation’. The vision for Earth Legacy stems from a deep-seated desire to reconnect First Nations people around the globe, rekindling ancient bonds and reawakening a sense of purpose and stewardship for the land. It is about honoring traditions and cultures, embracing the wisdom passed down through generations, and rediscovering our role as custodians of creation. By reconnecting with the land and embracing Indigenous ways of knowing and ways of being, integrating that into the foundational structures of how we create content, Earth Legacy takes a step to a future where all siblings, human and non-human, live in harmony.
Through Earth Legacy social good creative studio, we seek to create a platform for Indigenous peoples and their allies to come together, to sit around the campfire, share their stories, struggles, and triumphs, fostering a sense of community and solidarity that transcends borders and cultures, and bring that to the work that we collaborate on. Each project a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit, reminding us that our past is not just a memory but a living, breathing part of who we are.
We see this digital world is a new campfire space, a new way to share right story. Story coming from the knowledge that indigenous thinking, indigenous ways of knowing, of being, have the power to save the world.
The First Yarn
Drawn in the sand. From dreaming to reality.
In the heart of the Australian outback in far Cape York under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, a circle of dots was drawn in the sand next to a crackling campfire. Each dot represented a crucial aspect of life, a duty or a responsibility that we, as human beings, must fulfill. Among these dots was one that stood out - the way of telling stories.
This simple yet profound realization was the spark that ignited the idea for the Earth Legacy Creative Studio. It was here, in this sacred space, that the vision was born to create a platform that would honor Indigenous knowledge systems from around the world, sharing their stories, lore, and wisdom with a modern audience. At the helm of this vision is Andrew D Flanagan, a documentary photographer, filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and adventurer from Australia's Wonnorua country. Andrew's work in preservation and conservation has taken him across 127 countries and 7 continents, documenting peoples, cultures, and country. His mission, bestowed upon him by his mentor and elder, Dig, is to shift the trajectory of the future of the planet by placing Indigenous knowledge systems at the forefront of solving today's issues. Dig, an elder from the Australian outback with ties across the continent, and into Asia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, instilled in Andrew the importance of sharing stories, lore, and ancient wisdom to bring people back under the law of the land. Together, Andrew and Dig embarked on a journey to retrieve forward ancient wisdom and knowledge systems, sharing them with a modern audience through visual media, immersive experiences, and breathtaking imagery.
While Dig is no longer with us, the Earth Legacy Creative Studio stands as a testament to his vision, and mission. It is a platform that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires a future where humanity lives in harmony with the natural world, guided by not only the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, but the ways of knowing. Not the things, but the processes. Through storytelling and creative expression, the studio aims to bring people back to their roots, to retake their position as custodial species of the planet, and to create a more sustainable and harmonious world for all.
The Council Fire
The team that comes together to sit around the fire.
All knowledge is held within our web of relationships. It is this interconnectedness of existence and the critical role of storytelling in preserving and transmitting knowledge, embedded in the narratives passed down through generations for tens of thousands of years.
The strength of our work lies in the team we bring together to sit around the fire. Like a council of elders, each member of our team contributes their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences, making a braid of wisdom that guides our projects. Our collective approach ensures that every story we tell is imbued with depth, richness, and authenticity.
Just as every voice is essential around the council fire, every member of our team plays a vital role in shaping our creative process. From photographers to writers, designers to storytellers, aunties, uncles, grandparents, children, each have a unique voice to add to the conversation that enriches the work we make with you. We all come together around the fire to honor the traditions of the past while forging a path towards a more sustainable and harmonious future, sitting in our shared commitment to nurturing community relationships rooted in respect, understanding, and empowerment. Together, we strive to embody the Cherokee worldview concepts of Tohi (harmony) and Gadugi (working together for the greater good), creating work that not only resonates with our audience but also leaves a lasting impact on the world around us.
Our Mission. Our Why.
Earth Legacy was born out of a deep-seated passion for Indigenous knowledge systems and a profound concern for the future of our planet, and the knowing that it is indigenous wisdom that can save the world. As we witnessed the escalating environmental crises and the erosion of traditional cultures, we felt called to action. We recognized that the solutions to many of the world's most pressing challenges could be found in the knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples, who have lived in harmony with the earth for millennia.
Driven by the task set out by our elders and the desire to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern innovation, we set out to create a creative studio that would amplify Indigenous voices, honor cultural heritage, and promote sustainable living practices, all whilst doing social good. We believe that by integrating Indigenous thinking into our work, we can inspire a new way of being - one that is rooted in reciprocity, respect, and reverence for our mother, our planet Earth.
Our journey is guided by the principle of Seven Generations - concept that reminds us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations. We strive to be mindful of the legacy we leave behind, ensuring that our work today benefits not only ourselves but also the generations to come.
Through our creative projects, community initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, we seek to create a world where all beings live in harmony with nature, guided by the wisdom of the past and inspired by the vision of the future.
Our Impact. Our Contribution.
Earth Legacy's impact is multifaceted and wide-reaching, touching lives and communities around the world in many different ways. As a social good creative studio every piece of work, every projects, every collaboration directly support Indigenous communities, promote environmental conservation, and foster cultural revitalization - the proceeds from every job going to implementing this mission and goal. Through our projects, we inspire and influence not only directly by challenging the way we approach our day to day life, but indirectly inspiring inward reflection and connection to the self, and the inherited ancestral ways we all hold.
By incorporating Indigenous thinking into our work, which are often marginalized or overlooked, we amplify these voices and help preserve their wisdom for future generations. This not only honors a peoples traditions but also promotes a more holistic approach to creative production, and impactful problem-solving that can benefit society as a whole over deep time. Not just temporary solutions. But create real change.
This is why cultural revitalization and community initiatives are another significant part of our focus. By sharing stories and traditions from the land, by rooting our production in the processes learnt from the cultures we come from and work within, we preserve cultural heritage as a living process, not a static history locked in time. This global community that come together around the campfire, to learn, share, to connect to love, strengthens social bonds and creates a support network for those who need it most.
We also hold a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, as our role as custodians of creation. We actively seek out sustainable practices in our work, from sourcing materials to minimizing waste, to how we approach a production, to offsetting carbon costs and redistributing our entropy through the system in the right way. This is important process work, and it is through our projects and partnerships, we aim to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire others to take action to protect our planet.
Our Vision. Our Purpose.
As we sit by the fire we cast out minds into a dreaming space and see a vision of the future - one that can become a reality. A vision encompasses where humanity thrives in symbiosis with the Earth, embodying the deep wisdom and reverence for nature found in indigenous cultures around the world, knowledge held within our inherited DNA, stored within every one of us. We see a world where traditional knowledge is not only respected but actively integrated into every facet of society, shaping sustainable practices that nurture both people and the planet. Not just the knowledge, but the ways of knowing. The processes reshaping the way we tackle the problems that face us in the short term, long term, and over deep time.
In this future, cultural diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated as a source of strength and resilience. Every voice is not only heard but valued, contributing to a rich braid of perspectives that guide our collective journey toward harmony and balance.
Through our work, we strive to inspire a global movement toward this vision, inviting others to join us in honoring, learning from, and living in relation with all indigenous cultures of the lands we call home. Together we can build a more just, regenerative, and interconnected world, where each action is a step toward a brighter future for all beings, human and non-human, and all the spirits that all this place home.
Special Thanks To Our Partners
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Add your voice to the conversation.
If you're drawn to our vision of storytelling rooted in Indigenous wisdom, and if you share our passion for nurturing community relationships and creating positive change, we invite you to join us on this journey.
Everyone has a voice, an opinion worth sharing, an impact that can change the world for the better. No matter who you are, how old you are, your background, how much experience you have, we are at a time in history where we can make more change in an instant than ever before. If you would like to help, to become a part of the ongoing story that unfolds through my work, your willingness is the most valuable contribution.
As a client, working with Earth Legacy means more than just receiving a service; it means becoming a part of a community dedicated to honoring the Earth and all its inhabitants. Our collaborative approach ensures that your story is told with authenticity, respect, and cultural sensitivity, reflecting the values and traditions of Indigenous cultures around the world. If you’re interested in joining our team, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference. Whether you’re a photographer, writer, designer, or storyteller, we welcome you to bring your skills and perspectives to our collective fire. Together, we can create work that not only inspires but also empowers, fostering a sense of harmony and reciprocity with the Earth and each other. If you’re looking to collaborate on a project, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you have an idea for a film, exhibition, or community event, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. By working together, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful change in the world.
So whether you’re a client, a potential team member, or a collaborator, we invite you to join us in our mission to be custodians of creation. Together, we can create a future where every story is heard, every voice is valued, and every action is a step towards a more just and regenerative world.