Supporting PartnerIndigenous Data NetworkFirst Nations Data Governance & Sovereignty
Embedding First Nations Data Governance & Sovereignty in Systems, Policy & Practice - Indigenous Data Our Way
Indigenous data must be managed our way.
This event brings together community leaders, policymakers and technologists to explore the critical intersections of Indigenous data sovereignty and modern digital infrastructure. Grounded in the principles of respect and responsibility, the program focuses on self-determination in data governance, ensuring Indigenous peoples maintain strict oversight and control over their data assets.
Participants will address the emerging AI and Indigenous data challenges, discussing how automated systems can inadvertently exploit or misrepresent cultural knowledge. Through a lens of ethical data stewardship and accountability, sessions will highlight the need for robust, community-led data priorities that deliver tangible local benefits rather than extractive outcomes.
A central focus will be capability strengthening, building practical skills and infrastructure within communities to manage their own information ecosystems. Ultimately, the event aims to drive policy alignment and foster sustainable partnerships and shared decision-making between Indigenous groups, governments and tech sectors to rewrite the rules of data ownership.
Align your brand with the future of community-led data governance.
Partnering with Indigenous Data Our Way positions your organisation at the vanguard of data sovereignty and ethical AI leadership. As social service, tech and public sectors face regulatory shifts demanding proof of community-led governance, executives, decision-makers and service providers are actively seeking modern infrastructure tools, advisory partners and culturally safe models.
This forum provides an intimate environment to build meaningful pipelines with over 130 paying delegates, senior policymakers and Indigenous community leaders.
The Indigenous Data Network
The Indigenous Data Commons
The Indigenous Data Commons, built by the Indigenous Data Network, is a national, shared digital infrastructure that advances Indigenous authority, governance and benefit in the management of Indigenous data. It provides a trusted environment where data about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are governed by Indigenous owners and used in ways that align with Indigenous priorities, rights and wellbeing.
Through its federated online platform, the Indigenous Data Commons enables Indigenous custodians to find, describe, manage and share data without relinquishing local or community control — preserving decentralised governance while upholding legal rights and cultural protocols.
Advisory Board
Professor Peter Anderson
Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous
University of New England
Chair, Indigenous Data Network Advisory GroupLaureate Professor Marcia Langton AO
Associate Provost
The University of Melbourne
Co-founder, Indigenous Data Network
Associate Professor Kristen Smith
Research Director, Indigenous Studies Unit, Onemda
The University of Melbourne
Co-founder, Indigenous Data Network
Dr Fadwa Al Yaman
Head of First Nations Health and Welfare Group
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Dr Andrea Clarke
Senior Research Fellow, Indigenous Studies Unit, Onemda
The University of Melbourne
Top Speakers
Laureate Professor Marcia Langton AO
Associate Provost; Co-founder, Indigenous Data Network
The University of Melbourne
Read more →Professor Peter Anderson
Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous; Chair, Indigenous Data Network Advisory Group
University of New England
Read more →
Anthony Wong
Senior Technology Lawyer, AI Commercial Counsel — Digital Transformation & Governance, AI, Data & Cybersecurity
United Nations Advisor
Read more →
Robert McLennan
Program Manager, Language Data Commons of Australia
University of Queensland
Read more →Associate Professor Kristen Smith
Research Director, Indigenous Studies Unit, Onemda; Co-founder, Indigenous Data Network
The University of Melbourne
Read more →
Selwyn Button
Indigenous Commissioner
Productivity Commission
Read more →Dr Fadwa Al Yaman
Head of First Nations Health and Welfare Group
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare
Read more →Melbourne, Australia
Join us in Melbourne's Central Business District at a secure venue hub with full accessibility mapping, for two days of keynotes, panels, showcases and networking.
- Wednesday 11 – Thursday 12 November 2026
- Central Business District, Melbourne, VIC (venue details coming soon)
