In communities across the country, grassroots and local leaders help propel self-determination, economic independence, care for Country, Native Title rights and more.
They include Karen Dodd, Phillip Eulo, Pearl Eatts and Lisa Thorpe, who will be shaping a new national body dedicated to driving the interests of Indigenous people.
The community representatives are among delegates set to attend the National Gathering, a coming together of Indigenous organisations and individuals in Port Douglas on Kuku Yalanji country in North Queensland.
More than 260 delegates from over 140 organisations are set to join them.
An interim leadership group, under the working name the Council of First Nations, have organised the Gathering, with all voices welcome to help decide leadership, name and direction of the national body going forwards.
It's an independent initiative born out of Indigenous Voice to Parliament support entity Yes23 - until recently called Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition.
Karen Dodd is a Birrah, Widi and Kaanju woman working for the ongoing care for Country - land water and sky, and Native Title rights in northern Queensland.
Birrah were granted Native Title in 2016-17 after first launching the claim three decades ago.
"Our land we protect is approximately 984,576 hectares of land and includes the Burdekin River, Bogie River, Bowen River and Broken River catchments," Ms Dodd said.
"I'm carrying on from where my grandfather left off. Everything he taught me, having pride in being Birriah. Now I'm looking to the future.
"In the olden days when our Elders were fighting for us, they never perceived the benefits that could come out of this.
"We have the bargaining power now. We are there for the betterment of generations to come."
Ms Dodd is headed to the Gathering to see how similar work is being done by Indigenous people around Australia, and what's working.
"Everyone has different ideas. Everyone has to have a vision, and ideas for the future. The Gathering is gathering information, we are all different, and our lands are different," she said.
"If we are a cohort that are thinking for the same goals, we are coming from a position of strength. We can build a future for the younger generation."
Phillip Eulo helped establish the Nocoleche Nature Reserve and continues to help see the health of Country across New South Wales and Queensland get back to where it was pre-colonisation.
Mr Eulo, a Budjiti Elder, once drank clean water straight from the springs on his Country.
He too is carrying on the work of his old people - grandmother and mother.
"Its about time we got together, talked about our story, tell one another like the old people used to do," Mr Eulo said.
"I think we are going to get something out of it. I want the other people's stories and what they are gonna do.
"Its been in my mind for a long time – getting together. Lets go to this, lets see what happens."
Duane Fraser, a Wulgurukaba and Bidjara Traditional Owner, is the Council of First Nations' chief executive.
He said the Gathering, set for September 15-17, will focus on aligning strategic priorities, influencing government, and leading change in key policy areas affecting Indigenous communities and shape the "meaningful, inclusive, and enduring platform" that is the national body.
"By creating a representative body, we can ensure First Nations voices are not only present in every major discussion but are listened to and acted upon," he said in June.
Tony McAvoy, Australia's first Indigenous senior counsel, and barrister specialising in Native Title is a keynote speaker at the event.
Progress made by First Peoples discussed at the Gathering are not restricted to happenings in Australia.
Canadian Assembly of First Nations regional chief, Chief Andrea Paul is a speaker on the agenda, with Ngātiwai Trust Board chair, Aperahama Edwards, also set to lead discussion.
Wemba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation was recently recognised as a Registered Aboriginal Party in Victoria.
WWAC work to empower their people and younger generation protecting Country and strengthening future opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
The formally recognised Traditional Owner Group, around northern Victoria cross over the NSW border, are empowering self-determination.
Lisa Thorpe is secretary of the board at WWAC, and will also be at the Gathering.
"Now we have the opportunity to have nations in the room together to talk about challenges, goals and navigating systems. All mob together in the same space," Ms Thrope said.
"It's taken a long time for us to get where we are. For us to be able to honour our ancestors, honour our old people. To make sure we are continually able to plan for the generations to come. For them to have it better than our old people did.
"To speak about the future, you need to speak about the past. Part of that future is empowering everyone who lives on Country."
Pearl Eatts established the family-run Kirrendirri Cultural Heritage body in 1988.
Kirrendirri Cultural Resources & Family Research Aboriginal Corporation works, without public funding, to protect cultural sites, assisting Stolen Generation families with historical research, traditional knowledge resources, and management and protection of land and animals.
Ms Eatts feels economic independence and development is the path ahead.
"We need a network. All of us will drown if we don't form a united front," Ms Eatts said.
"We shouldn't have to prove to other people that we are worthy. I'm sick of it.
"If I can make a difference, any difference, then 70 years of my life have just been fulfilled. 98 years of my grandmother's, 84 of my mother's, have all been part of the cause. And I'm still carrying on the cause."
She wants to be an influence on others working for the same.
"We should be instigating it. This is our protocol. We should set our own priorities," Ms Eatts said.
"I'm trying to get everyone to think in realistic and commonsense terms.
"Everyone is realising now they need traditional knowledge. White landowners are turning up at my door for help."
