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First Nations
First Nations wisdom, knowledge, and experience are diverse, deep, and always changing in the social enterprise sector. Explore First Nations enterprises, educational resources, and learning communities. Learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and business innovation that cares for Country, community, people, and the planet. Take steps to honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Support equitable, regenerative futures for everyone.
First Nations Reference Group
The Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) established a First Nations Reference Group to guide Social Enterprise Australia in its role as SEDI’s Education and Mentoring Coordinator. The group provides insights and advice to inform the development and curation of information and educational resources for Australia’s social enterprise sector.
First Nations organisations
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BlackCard
BlackCard is a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, with a majority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. As a specialist consultancy and training provider, we partner with First Nations communities, government, corporations, and industry to: deliver cultural capability training and immersion experiences across all organisational levels; create connections for mutually beneficial, culturally sensitive relationships; co-design strategies that build internal capability and create sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and use BlackCard’s evaluation methodology and Theory of Change to help companies measure their impact.
Deadly Futures Aboriginal Corporation
Deadly Futures Aboriginal Corporation exists to empower First Nations Futures through education, employment, and cultural resilience initiatives. Collaborating with community, we are committed to bringing back our signature Deadly Futures Training and Employment Expo. Over 100 jobs and traineeships for First Nations high school students were provided in our last expo; and over 1,100 students attended across 65+ high schools in Australia. Deadly Futures operates with the authority of Elders, who have provided expertise for over 30 years to enterprises, governments, corporate and industry sectors.
Deadly Sports Plus Aboriginal Corporation
Deadly Sports Plus Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal and LGBTIQA+SB led charity and social enterprise that delivers accessible first aid training and creates jobs for people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQA+SB, disabled and disadvantaged communities.
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Enterprise Learning Projects (ELP)
Enterprise Learning Projects (ELP) is an Aboriginal controlled not-for-profit organisation. We want remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs to be empowered to determine their own futures and effect generational change for the communities. To achieve this vision, we offer tailored on-Country business support to remote entrepreneurs through our incubation and mentoring programs. And we meaningfully collaborate with our sector peers and partners.
First Nations learning communities
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What does Truth-telling for Social Change Look Like?
First Nations30 Oct 2025 • 1:00 pm AEDTFirst NationsJoin this dynamic discussion, convened by BlakCast in collaboration with John-Paul Janke, Joshua Creamer and Stacey Thomas. Explore the why, what, and how of centring equity and justice for Country and community in social change.
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Photo credit: BlackCard
Photo credit: Maria Fredericks, Kalumburu Photography Collective
Photo credit: Enterprise Partnerships WA
Photo credit: Freedom Garvey-Warr, Kalumburu Photography Collective
First Nations resources
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2026 Close the Gap Campaign Report – Community Voices: The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing
First NationsReportsFirst NationsThis report from the Close the Gap Campaign examines why progress on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and life outcomes remains slow, despite years of government commitments. It argues that public sector reform and stronger laws are needed to make change real and lasting. Useful for policymakers, practitioners, funders and community organisations working in Indigenous health and social justice.
2026 Close the Gap Campaign Report – Community Voices: The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's rights
First NationsGuidesFirst 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.
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Aboriginal Economics
First NationsArticlesFirst 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
First NationsGuidesFirst 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
This resource provides key terms used in the Australian social enterprise sector. It explains technical language and helps people use the same words to mean the same things.
Learn moreBe part of what's growing
Understorey recognises that Indigenous businesses existed long before the contemporary Australian social enterprise sector. They provide pathways to self-determination and strengthen social, cultural and environmental outcomes. Relationships, reciprocity and respect for Country are core principles of Indigenous business. They are key skills for all businesses. These skills help grow an economy that cares for people and the planet.
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