In this annual forum we invite you to join us to explore Indigenous governance, and the structures, systems, and processes by which different First Nations peoples have framed leadership, culture, social and econo...
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Join the Virtual Indigenous Governance Forum 2025 this NAIDOC Week
As we mark NAIDOC Week 2025 under the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, AIGI is proud to co-host the upcoming Virtual Indigenous Governance Forum 2025, in collaboration with the Governance Institute of Australia.
Taking place on Wednesday 10 July 2025, this national online forum is a timely and powerful opportunity to come together and explore the critical role of governance in supporting the self-determined futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Why This Forum Matters
Governance is more than structures and systems – it’s about leadership, legitimacy, and the collective power of communities to decide their own futures. As Indigenous peoples continue to build, strengthen, and innovate governance in ways that reflect cultural values and community priorities, this forum provides a platform to:
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Share Indigenous-led approaches to governance
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Learn from leading First Nations voices and practitioners
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Examine the relationship between governance, culture, accountability, and legacy
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Connect with a diverse audience committed to strong, culturally legitimate governance
A Conversation for All
Whether you’re a community leader, board member, governance professional, or ally, the forum is open to all who want to deepen their understanding of what effective Indigenous governance looks like – and how it can be better supported.
This is a space to listen, learn, and reflect on how governance systems can grow stronger when they respect and centre Indigenous leadership, values, and ways of decision-making.
Standing Strong in NAIDOC Week
AIGI celebrates this forum as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous-led governance. NAIDOC Week is a time to honour our Elders, culture, and achievements – and to spotlight the governance structures that uphold and carry forward our communities’ visions.
As we look to the next generation of First Nations leaders, we encourage you to be part of this important conversation.
Program
Program
9:35 am - Acknowledgement to Country
Brittney Henderson, Project Officer (Learning and Development), Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
9:40 am - Opening remarks from Forum Chair/MC
MC: Brittney Henderson, Project Officer (Learning and Development), Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
Jessica Bulger, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
9:55 am - Unlocking Potential: A Personal Reflection and Discussion
- Reflection on identity, representation, and governance
- Exploring the journey of keeping Aboriginal identity hidden, and the implications of this for boards and organisations
- Systemic barriers preventing more Indigenous professionals from reaching corporate leadership and governance roles
- Our role in creating space for Indigenous leadership
Michelle Tierney, Chair, CareerTrackers, Non-executive Director, Growthpoint Properties Australia, Stride Property Limited, Peet Ltd, Uniting NSW/ACT and Message Stick Foundation
Chair: Jessica Bulger, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
10:40 am - Nation building: Strengthening Indigenous sovereignty
- The principles of nation building, Indigenous self-determination
- The strategies communities are using to assert governance on their own terms
11:40 am - Navigating the regulatory landscape
- Unpacking the regulatory frameworks affecting organisations
- Insights into compliance, governance responsibilities
- Best practices for navigating legal and financial structures
- The regulatory view across organisations of diverse scope, scale and nature of operations and service
Tricia Stroud, Registrar, Office of Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
Natasha Sekulic, Assistant Commissioner – General Counsel and Regulatory Services, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Duncan Poulson, NT Regional Commissioner, Australian Securities and Investments Commission
1:15 pm - Biodiversity and Caring for Country
- How Indigenous ecological knowledge systems and practices are central to the preservation of our ecosystems
- How Indigenous knowledge and governance structures enable sustainable land management
- Community led strategies for mitigation, adaptation and resilience
Chair: Dr Bhiamie Williamson, Program Lead, National Indigenous Disaster Resilience, Monash University
2:00 pm - AI and Data Sovereignty: Further empowering Indigenous communities
As digital technologies evolve, Indigenous Data Sovereignty is vital for further empowering communities to control and access their own data. By prioritising education, strong governance, and Indigenous-led AI initiatives, we can create opportunities that support cultural preservation, economic development, and self-determination.
- Empowerment: Indigenous control over data strengthens self-determination and protects cultural knowledge.
- Education: Building digital skills ensures communities can harness AI and data for cultural and economic opportunities.
- Opportunities & Governance: Indigenous-led AI projects open new pathways while strong governance safeguards against misuse and bias.
Lisa Sarago, Chief Executive Officer, Land on Heart
Anne-Marie Long, Manager, Digital Literacy, Land on Heart
Michael Dickerson, CEO & Founder, Dickerson Digital
3:20 pm - Indigenous health and governance
- This session will explore the intersection of health and governance, and how strong Indigenous-led governance models improve health outcomes and influence policy.
4:05 pm - Effective Indigenous governance – Learning from success
- A panel discussion featuring representatives from 2024 Indigenous Governance Awards winners, will showcase real-world examples of strong Indigenous governance, exploring what has made these organisations successful and the lessons that can be applied more broadly.
