The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute is a national centre of governance excellence, connecting Indigenous Australians to world-class governance practice, informing effective policy, providing accessible research, disseminating stories that celebrate outstanding success and solutions, and delivering professional development opportunities to meet the self-determined governance needs of Indigenous people.
The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute was incorporated on the 29 May 2012. It is the product of years of research, debate, consultation and intensive lobbying by those who believed in its vision. The following is a brief account of some of the significant moments towards the development of AIGI.
In 2001, Reconciliation Australia hosted an international “Indigenous Governance Conference” in Canberra. The aim was to discuss what works in building effective governance on the ground, what doesn’t work and why. The forum recommended that detailed research into the conditions and future opportunities of Indigenous Governance in Australia and make recommendations as to how Indigenous governance building could be supported.
In response to the forum’s request, Reconciliation Australia and the Centre for Aboriginal Policy Research (CAEPR) at the Australian National University obtained funding from the Australian Research Council to undertake the necessary research in remote, rural and urban locations. The Indigenous Community Research Project received additional funding support from the Commonwealth, West Australian and Northern Territory governments.
To rebuild and reinvigorate Indigenous governance, the ICG Project’s extensive field research pinpointed the need for Indigenous access to high-quality governance information, organisational and developmental tools, sustained facilitation expertise, and place-based capacity-building. This would be in parallel with enabling government policy and funding frameworks. Such a combination was seen as critical to supporting Indigenous nations, communities and organisations in rebuilding their governance.
In order to achieve this goal in a coordinated way, the ICG Project recommended the creation of an Australian Indigenous Institute of Governance ¹. The aims of the Institute would be to:
This recommendation prompted a subsequent scoping project, commissioned by Reconciliation Australia and Social Ventures Australia (SVA). With funding from SVA, Ms Jodie Sizer from Ingenuity Australia was engaged to lead the consultation process with support from independent consultant Ms Tanya Hosch. The consultation process was designed to consider:
Following the completion of the consultation report, a steering committee was formed late in 2008 to help drive the AIGI concept by raising awareness of Indigenous governance issues, negotiating partnerships and funds, and through the development of a strategy to guide the path forward.
Chaired by Professor Mick Dodson (co-chair of Reconciliation Australia), with Jason Glanville (now Director of NCIE and Board Director of Reconciliation Australia) as Deputy Chair, and under the auspices of both Reconciliation Australia and Social Ventures Australia, the steering committee has comprised at various times well-known and active professionals in the Indigenous governance space up until its incorporation. These include:
Tanya Hosch, who had been heavily involved in advocating Indigenous governance issues, was seconded from the steering committee in 2011 to work as project director and played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Institute and securing further funds.
In 2010, the steering committee commissioned the development of a more detailed business case for AIGI. Completed by Jodie Sizer of Ingenuity Australia in late 2010, the Business Case provided the foundation needed for the establishment of AIGI and outlined a number of key steps necessary to achieve this. This included potential organisational structures, project partners and objectives for AIGI.
The important step of formal incorporation of AIGI was achieved on 29 May 2012, and the following members of the steering committee agreed to take on the role of inaugural Board members.
Since the development of the initial Business Case, AIGI has made significant inroads towards its vision. With the goal of securing the long term sustainability of the organisation, the steering committee took a considered approach to maturity, including an incremental approach to establishment involving:
AIGI commenced the year with new Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024 which was developed in collaboration with AIGI’s Board. AIGI’s key strategic priorities include:
Our logo represents People and ideas gathering to inform decisions. The logo and cultural design was created by Jenna Lee from Gilimbaa.
At the center of the logo sits the campfire representing governance. Surrounding the warm fire people gather representing the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as the 7 types of Indigenous Governance; Laws and Rules, Meanings, Powers, Values, Knowledge, Ideas and Beliefs.
The white circles are the ideas and perspectives that each individual brings to the table. The yellow dots are the ideas that are formed in collaboration. Radiating out from the logo is the positive effects of Indigenous Governance which can be felt through all areas of life.
Diverse as the land and sea and EVERYTHING in between.
The diverse colours of the logo represent the vast and vivid landscapes of Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples connection to this land.
Our ‘Elements of Governance’ artwork was created to extend and strengthen the story of our brand. It represents the 7 types of Indigenous Governance; Laws and Rules, Meanings, Powers, Values, Knowledge, Ideas and Beliefs.
Its function is to further the strength of the brand. The artwork depicts the many landscapes, people and ideas coming together, representing the critical work of AIGI.
This graphic can be pulled apart, cropped and used in many ways to add brand flavor to a range of applications.
Stay informed with AIGI news and updates.
AIGI acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
AIGI acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.