Australian Government National Indigenous Australians Agency

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Culture

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are a critical part of our national identity.

As Australians, we can all be proud to be the home of one of the oldest continuous civilisations on Earth, extending back over 65,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s strong connection to family, land, language, and culture forms the foundation for social, economic, and individual wellbeing. This is integral to efforts to close the gap.

Our work contributes to improving respect and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, support cultural identity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and social cohesion for all Australians.

Through the Culture and Capability Programme of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, we provide funding to support the maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous cultural expression and conservation. Projects funded are designed to increase Indigenous Australians’ participation in the social and economic life of Australia, through healing, and strengthening existing capabilities.

Latest News

The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network

Australian Government announces a new Indigenous Business and Employment Hub for the NT

Culture and Capability

Monday, 04 April 2022

The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) has been selected to deliver a $10 million Indigenous Business and Employment Hub in the Northern Territory.

International Women's Day – Jess Fatnowna

Culture and Capability

Tuesday, 08 March 2022

On International Women’s Day we recognise the exceptional service to young Indigenous women by Jess Fatnowna, mentor within the Aspire Cairns Community Limited supporting the Aspire to be Deadly Program.

Yolngu group on a rock

Galtha Rom and Learning on Country in East Arnhem Land

Culture and Capability

Wednesday, 02 February 2022

In November 2021, 160 Aboriginal school children, families, community Elders and schoolteachers from East Arnhem Land spent 4 days tracking an ancient songline of the Mäṉa (shark).

Resources

Protection of Indigenous Cultural Heritage at the Commonwealth level

Indigenous Affairs

6th October 2021

Applications for Indigenous cultural heritage protection Applications for protection of Indigenous cultural heritage under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (ATSIHP Act)

Renewing a Vital Indigenous Voice and Community Asset – The Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector

Indigenous Affairs

6th October 2021

The Indigenous broadcasting and media sector delivers culturally appropriate news, information and entertainment, and provides a voice for Indigenous Australians, keeping people connected and engaged, particularly in remote areas.

Protocol on Indigenous Language Interpreting for Commonwealth Government Agencies

Indigenous Affairs

15th December 2017

The Protocol on Indigenous Interpreters for Commonwealth Government agencies (the Protocol) provides guidance to all agencies and their contracted service providers on policies and processes that are needed to promote engagement of Indigenous interpreters in policy and program development, engage

Respecting culture and country: Indigenous Protected Areas in Australia

Indigenous Affairs

This book celebrates the first 15 years of Indigenous Protected Areas in Australia, from 1997 to 2012.

Programmes & Policies

Heritage

7th August 2020

We fund Indigenous heritage projects through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

Indigenous Broadcasting

Culture and Capability

The Australian Government supports Indigenous broadcasters throughout Australia. Indigenous broadcasting helps give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a strong voice and increases their social and economic participation in society. It strengthens Indigenous cultural expression and conservation.

Indigenous Capability

Culture and Capability

Capability means that people, communities and organisations are able to make good decisions about issues that affect them. It means communities are able to introduce and take the lead to reform issues that affect them and their organisations to build capability to deliver quality services to their clients.

Indigenous Interpreters

Indigenous Interpreters

Language is essential to the wellbeing, culture and identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Language plays an integral role in maintaining the strength of Indigenous communities, particularly in remote areas.

NAIDOC

24th January 2024

NAIDOC Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their histories, cultures, achievements and continuing contributions to our country.

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia

We want a nation where the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community is based on mutual trust and respect. We fund Reconciliation Australia to help build this relationship.