The inaugural First Nations Economic Development Symposium Marramarra murru (creating pathways), co-sponsored by NIAA, commenced on Tuesday 21 June with the First Nations Wealth Forum held at the National Press Club.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP, spoke at the opening of the event about the Australian Government’s priority for First Nations self‑determination.

“We will have voice, we will have treaty and we will have truth. And these changes will be profound, not just for First Nations people but for the very fabric of Australian society,” Minister Burney said.

“It’s a change that will mean Australian governments need to hear from First Nations people before we make the laws that will affect First Nations people, and that’s what self-determination really means – being empowered to make decisions, not simply the subject of decisions, and that is my commitment to you tonight.

“You are not on your own, you are in control, and it is my job to reflect what you believe to be the way forward in First Nations affairs in this country.”

The Forum concluded with a lively panel discussion about economic development based on self-determination, including NIAA CEO Jody Broun, and moderated by ANU Chancellor, the Hon Julie Bishop. Other panellists were First Nations Portfolio President, Professor Peter Yu, Executive Chair First Nations Financial Management, Harold Calla, distinguished Maori Leader, Sir Ta Mark Solomon and Research Fellow, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, Eric Henson.

Jody Broun spoke about the work being done by First Nations communities and governments to support economic participation and wealth generation for First Nations peoples – the successes of First Nations entrepreneurs, as well as the need to ensure that mainstream business supports are open and accessible to them.

The Symposium is an initiative of the Australian National University (ANU) First Nations Portfolio, which was created to secure a whole‑of‑university approach to First Nations issues through mobilisation of the intellectual resources from its colleges, schools, departments, and institutes.

More information is available on the First Nations Economic Development Symposium Marramarra murra website.

Image courtesy of photographer Michael Torres