In this topic, we explain how asset mapping can help you build, rebuild or improve your group’s governance. We discuss the importance of focusing on your strengths. We also look at the different types of assets you may already have. This topic matches ‘Map your assets’ in our Governance Self-assessment Tool. We recommend that you do activity 5.1 in the tool.

Asset mapping

Assets are anything that can be used to meet your governance needs. This includes resources, people, relationships, skills, and structures. Identifying your group’s assets is a great way to realise the strengths of your organisation, community, or nation. It helps you understand what can be used to meet your governance needs.¹Bill Berkowitz and Eric Wadud, “Identifying Community Assets and Resources,” Community Tool Box, accessed June 2023, [link] You can draw on these assets when working to build, rebuild or improve your governance.

A practical way to do this is by creating an ‘asset map’. An asset map is a snapshot of the resources, relationships and structures that your group has. An asset map can help you clarify the strengths across your group. It also highlights how they are connected. This can help you better manage and access those assets.

Asset maps can be visual – like the one below – or they can be written out. It’s important that they are organised and simple to understand.

Asset map

Creating an asset map is a strengths-based activity. It focuses on the capabilities and potential of your group, rather than your deficits. Realising what you’ve already got can empower you to build governance solutions with minimal help from external stakeholders.²Toni Bauman and Robynne Quiggin, ‘Untangling Indigenous governance: the need for coordination and collaboration,’ Native Title Conference, 18 June 2015, 18 June 2015, Port Douglas, [link] In this way, asset mapping emphasises self-determination and local control.

Types of assets

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups can have a range of different assets.

Individuals

People are the most important asset for governance. Each individual in your group brings knowledge, information, ideas, skills and talents to benefit your group. These people may include:

• leaders and managers
• Elders
• traditional owners
• old and young people
• men and women

Networks

This asset type encompasses the relationships and connections that benefit your governance. Your networks may include:

• kinship groups
• extended families
• land and Country groups
• special interest or advocacy groups

Natural resources

Natural resources can include the areas of Country, sea and waterways your group has access to. These places can benefit your governance by strengthening your connection to Country.

Cultural knowledge

Your cultural knowledge can include the stories and songlines that express traditions, laws, customs and ways of doing things. Cultural knowledge is integral to strengthening the cultural legitimacy of your governance.

Program resources

Program resources include the material resources your group can use to get things done. These include things such as funding, vehicles, equipment, and meeting and working places.

Structures

Groups use different structures to organise themselves to do governance. Each structure offers different opportunities and strengths to achieve your governance goals.