Directors’ Briefing: Ancient Culture and Modern Governance – Advancing Indigenous Prosperity

With more than 40,000 years of cultural practice, there is much to reflect on as we advance contemporary governance in Aboriginal communities and organisations. Bringing together senior Aboriginal and community leaders, AICD will explore the power of ‘walking together’ and shared learning as the spotlight is shone on governance.

Indigenous organisations work in complex environments such as native title and the delivery of social and cultural services. Many organisations are engaging Independent or Expert Directors to complement and enhance their Board structure, governance framework, skills and decision making. Likewise, Indigenous directors are bringing wisdom, cultural guidance and knowledge to big business and not-for-profit Boards. Aboriginal organisations generally work to build prosperity in the community focused on economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes. The Noongar nation is a topical case in point with a unique opportunity through the South West Native Title Settlement to establish this type of prosperity, developed from nation building principles.

It is essential that as directors and business leaders, we develop future sustainability and resilience of our organisations, communities and state by ‘walking together’ with our First Nations people. Aboriginal organisations have much to gain from support within the director community and in turn, Aboriginal people have much to offer as part of that director community.

Our panel and audience will explore key themes:
• Cultural knowledge, guidance and wisdom that can add value in the modern governance context
• The intersection of corporate governance, Aboriginal culture and cultural governance
• The opportunity that the South West Native Title Settlement can build for the Noongar nation of people in south west of Western Australia, should it be registered in late 2018