.png?fit=crop&h=600&w=1600&fp-x=50&fp-y=50)
First Nations
Explore First Nations social enterprises, learning communities and educational resources from across Australia. Discover knowledge, experiences and approaches shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and learn about the work strengthening communities, caring for Country and supporting self-determination.
First Nations Reference Group
The First Nations Reference Group was established through the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) to guide Social Enterprise Australia in its role as Education and Mentoring Coordinator. The group brought First Nations knowledge, perspectives and experience to inform the development and curation of educational resources, learning communities and approaches to engaging with First Nations social enterprises.
Its commissioned work helped lay the foundations for First Nations learning and knowledge sharing through Understorey.
First Nations organisations
See all
15 Times Better
15 Times Better is a majority First Nations-owned and led consultancy that helps Australian organisations turn their First Nations strategies into measurable outcomes. It exists to close the gap between good intentions and genuine impact, bringing experienced First Nations voices, honest diagnosis, and practical implementation support to organisations across all sectors.
Adapt Mentorship Indigenous Corporation
Adapt Mentorship Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous owned and led Social Enterprise in Toowoomba. We create meaningful change through our Tribe of Mentors, Connection, on country, health and wellbeing and innovative community development projects
Allagai Group Services
Allagai Group Services Pty Ltd is a proudly 100% Indigenous-owned company, registered with Supply Nation and NSWICC. We specialise in quality construction, refurbishment and capital upgrade projects, primarily for the government, schools private & public, community, corporate and aged care sectors throughout Australia.
Barragi Mawang
Barragi Mawang is a dynamic company dedicated to providing innovative solutions in Digital Marketing. Founded by James Saunders, a proud Wiradjuri and Gunditjmara man, the agency is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and businesses within the global digital landscape.
First Nations learning communities
See all
Centering Our Ways: Speaking back to the social enterprise sector
First Nations30 June 2026 • 12:00 pm AESTFirst NationsJoin Shifting Ground for an interactive online webinar sharing insights from the First Nations Social Enterprise Circle in Garramilla in April 2026.
Learn more
A Learning Resource for Mob Engaging with the Social Enterprise Sector
First Nations10 June 2026 • 10:30 am AESTFirst NationsJoin BlackCard and friends for a conversation sharing insights from a national, Aboriginal-led peer learning community that co-produced a resource to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to engage with the social enterprise sector.
Learn more
Truth-telling in Social Enterprise: A Deep History
First Nations8 May 2026 • 12:00 pm AESTFirst NationsJoin this interactive conversation, convened by BlakCast, in collaboration with John-Paul Janke, Joshua Creamer and Dr Jackie Huggins. Explore deep Indigenous histories of caring for people and place, and the importance of truth-telling as a foundation for doing business on Country.
Learn more.png)
First Nations Governance, Finance, Land and the Climate Crisis
First Nations5 Nov 2025 • 12:00 pm AEDTFirst NationsJoin First Nations Affairs for a powerful conversation at the intersection of Country, capital and climate.
Learn more
Photo courtesy: BlackCard
Photo courtesy: Maria Fredericks, Kalumburu Photography Collective
Photo courtesy: Enterprise Partnerships WA
Photo courtesy: Freedom Garvey-Warr, Kalumburu Photography Collective
First Nations resources
See all
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
GuidesFirst NationsThis page from Reconciliation Australia explains the history, meaning, and proper use of the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag, two of Australia's three official national flags. It covers the symbolism of each flag, how to display them correctly, and the copyright rules that apply. It is useful for any organisation or individual working with First Nations communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's rights
GuidesFirst NationsThis web resource from the Australian Human Rights Commission explains the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under Australian and international law. It covers key protections, practical guides, and support services. It is useful for anyone working with or alongside First Nations communities in Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's rights.png?w=192)
Aboriginal Economics
ArticlesFirst NationsThis article examines Indigenous perspectives on economics and self-determination in Australia, highlighting historical dispossession, economic exclusion, and alternative frameworks for wealth. It explores Indigenous values of communal wealth, economic sovereignty tied to land and spirit, and sustainable solutions.
Aboriginal Economics
Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country
GuidesFirst NationsThis guide from Reconciliation Australia explains the difference between Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, and how to do both respectfully. It covers the cultural protocols behind each practice and offers practical wording and examples. It is useful for anyone organising events, meetings or communications in Australia.
Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country
Explore key terms
Explore words and concepts used across the Australian social enterprise sector. Understand what they mean, how they connect and how different perspectives shape their use.
Learn moreShare your knowledge
First Nations peoples have been creating, trading and caring for Country and community long before the contemporary social enterprise sector. First Nations businesses continue to strengthen self-determination and create social, cultural, environmental and economic value, guided by relationships, reciprocity and respect for Country. Help shape Understorey by sharing organisations, resources and ideas.
-1.png)
We’d love to hear from you!
Understorey is shaped by the people and organisations across Australia. Have suggestions, ideas or resources to share? Get in touch and help us make Understorey more useful, relevant and accessible for everyone.
Get in touch