Indigenous Governance Forum spotlights two-way leadership and cultural stewardship

Held during NAIDOC Week, the 2025 Indigenous Governance Forum brought together governance professionals, community leaders, directors and regulators for a vital conversation about leadership, systems and self-determination in Australia. 

Co-hosted by Governance Institute of Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI), the forum took place virtually on Thursday 10 July.  

It focused on Indigenous governance frameworks, cultural authority, and how strong, community-led systems are shaping resilient, future-focused organisations. 

Key themes included regulatory compliance, biodiversity and Caring for Country, artificial intelligence and data sovereignty, health outcomes and success stories from the 2024 Indigenous Governance Awards. 

Two-way governance in practice 

Jess Bulger, AIGI Chief Executive Officer, described the event as an opportunity to amplify Indigenous perspectives on governance. 

“We love this event, and we love working with Governance Institute to deliver it. We have the privilege of spotlighting effective Indigenous governance in a way that facilitates learning across the Indigenous sector and more broadly,” Bulger said.  

The forum explored the concept of two-way governance, the respectful blending of Indigenous and Western systems, as a powerful approach to rebuilding trust and strengthening the legitimacy of institutions across all sectors. 

“Good governance is never one size fits all,” said a Governance Institute spokesperson. 

“By centring cultural authority alongside statutory accountability, two-way governance delivers stronger outcomes for everyone.” 

Cultural stewardship and Indigenous sovereignty 

Speakers shared insight on what it means to govern with cultural responsibility and future generations in mind. 

“Stewardship is an important principle and cultural obligation,” said Carlyn Waters, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). 

“It is actually making sure that the organisation, or community or land is protected for our descendants going forward… to do the right thing not just for me today, or my family today. But for tomorrow.” 

Michelle Tierney from Message Stick Foundation, encouraged organisations to reflect honestly on the impact of current approaches. 

“Are we really better now? Have diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices really made a difference? Let’s reflect on that in our organisations.” 

The role of data sovereignty was also a strong focus.  

Technology and community leader Lisa Sarago emphasised the importance of community control and storytelling. 

Tierney highlighted the importance of data control. 

“Within your own community and space, ensuring that you have got control over your data, and that you are able to tell your story the way you want your story to be told, is really critical. 

“The essence of Indigenous data sovereignty is about us taking back our story, us being able to take back control and moving towards self-determination.” 

Principles, protocols and practical solutions 

Michelle Steele of the Paul Ramsay Foundation outlined a values-based approach to philanthropy, grounded in five key principles. 

“Respect. Relationships. Responsibility. Reciprocity. Redistribution,” Steele said. 

Chief Executive Officer of Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (DAC), Nathan McIvor,  reflected on the importance of asserting cultural protocols in governance practice. 

“We need to be in a position where we’ve got the strength to be able to push back and say no, that’s not the way you do things on Country… When you come into this place, you respect this place,” McIvor said.  

Across all discussions, the forum demonstrated how Indigenous-led governance offers not just insight, but solutions.  

It provided practical ways to embed cultural legitimacy and strengthen institutional resilience across Australia. 

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