Indigenous Governance Foundations - Cairns

This is a one-and-a-half-day workshop for board members and leaders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services in the sexual violence, women’s health and wellbeing and domestic violence sector.  This workshop will be tailored to their needs, is solution focused and strength-based.

At AIGI we recognise and embed First Nations’ cultural values, ways of knowing and ways of doing in all facets of our work.  We understand that Indigenous worldviews are different from non-Indigenous worldviews and are often not the primary lens that is applied in western governance structures.  We recognise the inherent tension this can bring and celebrate local knowledge in grappling with this tension.  We ensure there is a two-world view in our approaches to analysing and generating solutions to issues. 

In this workshop we value the diverse knowledge in the room, fostering an environment where collective wisdom is as crucial as the structured content.  Time will be spent each day to create this safe, supportive and reflective space.

Day One will explore:

Two-way Governance and Indigenous Governance Excellence.

Participants will discover the art of balancing accountability to their community with accountability to the wider governance environment through discussions on two-way governance. Engaging in practical activities will allow them to gain hands-on experience in understanding both applying the 8 Elements of Governance and AIGI’s Principles of Effective Indigenous Governance.

Additionally, participants will learn from real-world examples of effective governance stories for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. This workshop offers an opportunity for participants to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to their community or organisation.

Roles and Responsibilities

Participants will delve into the unique roles and responsibilities of boards, with a specific focus on how these may differ in Indigenous organisations.  They will gain a comprehensive understanding of key terms such as legal duties, fiduciary duties, authority, and diligence. Engaging in practical activities, participants will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios through activities on legal duties and roles and responsibilities. The workshop will also explore lines of accountability and corporate structures specific to Indigenous organisations, providing valuable insights for effective governance. This is an essential opportunity for participants to strengthen their directorial skills and navigate the distinctive landscape of Indigenous governance.

Leadership

The session aims to identify areas for improvement and collaboratively formulate initiatives for effective leadership and governance within their communities. It seeks to empower Indigenous directors with clear leadership and governance direction, contributing to community success. The session will explore leadership styles, the expectations of Indigenous leaders, and the crucial role of women in leadership, emphasising their impact and importance in fostering inclusive communities.

Day two will include:

Conflicts and Disputes

Participants will explore the complexities of conflicts within boardroom settings through practical activities and real-world scenarios. The session will delve into various forms of conflicts and provide strategies for navigating them effectively. This valuable opportunity aims to enhance directorial skills and provide insights into navigating the unique landscape of Indigenous governance, ensuring safe, ethical and effective decision-making in the boardroom.

Wrap up and close

As the 1.5-day workshop ends, participants will gather for a reflective session aimed at consolidating the wealth of information covered. Facilitators will lead discussions on key takeaways, encouraging participants to share insights and experiences gained over the comprehensive program. A concise recap of the workshop's core concepts will be provided, emphasising the importance of the topics covered. The session will conclude with a forward-looking perspective, inspiring participants to actively apply their newfound knowledge and skills in their diverse roles and areas of expertise moving forward.

A shared lunch will be provided on conclusion of the workshop.

Event details

Session One: Tuesday 25th February 2025 
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm AEST Queensland Time 

Session Two: Wednesday 26th February 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm AEST Queensland Time

Location: Hilton Hotel, 34 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia (both days)

Who should attend

This workshop is targeted at board members/leaders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services within the sexual violence, women’s health and wellbeing and domestic violence sector.

Participants are required to attend both days - face to face only.

About the facilitators

This workshop will be facilitated by the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute team.

Travel support is available* – click here to apply. If you are unable to download the application form please email workforce@healingfoundation.org.au to receive a copy. *Target Group Services Only