Toolkit - AIGI

We've developed the Indigenous Governance Toolkit as an online resource to help Indigenous organisations, communities, nations and individuals build, strengthen and evaluate their governance.

Each section in the Toolkit focuses on a different element of governance. What’s covered includes your culture, values, leadership, decision making, rules and membership.

You’ll find examples of successful governance from other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, resources to help you evaluate your own governance, and useful guidance to sustain you along the way.

View Toolkit sections

Winners and finalists of the 2022 Indigenous Governance Awards share how they work for their community. They talk about navigating two-way governance and staying accountable to their members, community and wider environments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should be aware that this video may contain images and voices of persons who have passed.

Language and cultural sensitivity

AIGI acknowledges the traditional owners of the land, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

AIGI may use the terms Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interchangeably. The term Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is used most frequently to refer to the many nations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the continent and islands now called Australia. This aligns with our endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Wherever possible, care has been taken to reference individual language groups. When we work with specific communities or language groups, we seek guidance from those with authority about the respectful and appropriate language protocols. We acknowledge and respect that terms preferred in different jurisdictions and locations may vary.

Users are warned that historic content on this site may contain language or views which reflect the authors’ attitudes or that of the period in which the items were written. These may be considered to be inappropriate or offensive today.

If there is any information on this website that you consider to be culturally insensitive, inappropriate or inaccurate, contact us.

Deceased persons

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples are advised that this website contains the photographs, voices, names and stories of deceased persons.

For some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, hearing the voices or seeing images of people who have passed may be distressing or cause offense.

1. Read online

Read the Toolkit just like a book, or jump to whichever topic interests you.

2. Customise

Use the Toolkit to customise your own strategies and solutions.

3. Self-evaluate

Use the check-up resources throughout the Toolkit to see how you are going.

4. Download + Print

Download or print out sections of the Toolkit as you need them.

Oct 27 2023

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Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ)

Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) is a Martu organisation established in 2005 to work with Martu to bu...

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Oct 10 2023

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Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)

SNAICC are the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait children and families They...

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Oct 10 2023

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The Ngarrindjeri Nation

The Ngarrindjeri Nation consists of 18 tribes Although each tribe has its own defined territor...

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Oct 10 2023

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Aṟa Irititja project

The Aṟa Irititja digital initiative was developed by the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Y...

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Oct 10 2023

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ALPA investing in local staff

The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) contributes to the development of local...

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Oct 10 2023

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Nēwara Aboriginal Corporation

Nēwara Aboriginal Corporation is a non-profit Aboriginal community organisation based on Anai...

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Oct 11 2023

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The Ngangkari Program

The Ngangkari Program was developed in 1998 by the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjar...

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Oct 11 2023

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The Yiriman Project

The Yiriman Project was developed by the Elders of 4 Kimberly language groups; Nyikina, Mangal...

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Oct 10 2023

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‘Two-way governance’ approach at Ali Curung

It is important that groups consider ‘two-way’ governance when peacemaking The aim of two-...

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Oct 10 2023

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Marninwarntikura Fitzroy Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC)

Marninwarntikura Fitzroy Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC) aims to create a positive, safe and...

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Oct 10 2023

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QYAC’s traditional decision-making processes

The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) governance structure is based on...

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Feb 28 2013

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NPY Women's Council: How NPY governance works

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should be aware that this video may contain imag...

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Oct 11 2023

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Galiwin'ku Women's Space

Galiwin’ku Women’s Space (GWS) is another example of strong women stepping into leadership...

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Oct 10 2023

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd (ATSILS): staff development and training

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd (ATSILS) delivers criminal, fami...

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Oct 10 2023

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Shooting Stars program

Glass Jar Australia’s Shooting Stars Leadership Program works to develop the leadership capa...

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Oct 10 2023

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Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation: managing staff

Many of Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation’s long-term staff members work...

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Contact Details

BHP FOUNDATION

BHP Foundation has been a long-term supporter and valued partner of AIGI. With the invaluable support of the BHP Foundation, we implement a tailored program of work that makes a meaningful difference in fostering Indigenous governance practice. We deeply appreciate the strong and collaborative relationship we have built with the BHP Foundation, as it empowers us to create lasting positive impact with Indigenous communities.

Contact Details

RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA

AIGI is proud to partner with Reconciliation Australia over many years as RA were a key partner in the establishment of AIGI. We continue to collaborate on the Indigenous Governance Awards. We value the ongoing partnership with Reconciliation Australia as we work together to advance Indigenous governance and foster positive change with Indigenous communities.

Contact Details

ANNAMILA PTY LTD

The Annamila Foundation was an important early supporter during AIGIs foundational years funding our core operations. Their invaluable support enabled us to establish a robust foundation. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Annamila Foundation for their pivotal contribution to the growth and development of AIGI.

Contact Details

THE AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP CENTRE

AIGI recognises the strong connection between governance and leadership and works collaboratively with AILC on occasion. AILC provides accredited training in Indigenous leadership, mentoring, business governance, as well as specialised programs focusing on leadership skills and mentoring.

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