Virtual Indigenous Governance Forum 2026

“Our culture is the thread that weaves its way through our entire operation and keeps us focused on our core values” – Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, 2016 Indigenous Governance Awards Category A, shortlisted applicant.

Governance Institute of Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute are pleased to host the 2026 Virtual Indigenous Governance Forum.

Following NAIDOC Week, this annual forum provides a timely opportunity to reflect on Indigenous governance and to explore the strategies, tools and approaches that support self-determination and nation building.

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 economic practice, self-determination and decision-making.

See the program

The focus for this year is on nation building

• How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples collaboratively create the tools they need to build strong, self-determined futures.
• How nation-building takes many forms, shaped by community priorities, cultures and histories, with no single model.
• An exploration of the foundations of Indigenous governance, including culture, identity and resilience, deep knowledge of Country, infrastructure and resource management, and the systems that support long-term sustainability.
• Consideration of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and how it is embedded within the transformative AI design and implementation.
• Insights from leaders across sectors, including community leaders, directors, senior regulators and governance practitioners, on what is happening on the ground across Australia to advance First Nations self-governance, self-determination and economic independence.

Whether you’re a community leader, board member, governance professional, or ally, this forum is open to all who want to listen, learn, and reflect on what effective Indigenous governance looks like – and how we can take actions towards strategy, implementation and accountability together.

Want to maximise value? Add on the exclusive Masterclass with your ticket.