Shifting Ground has opened Expressions of Interest for the First Nations Social Enterprise Circle, a sector-first gathering in Garramilla/Darwin of up to eight First Nations social enterprises selected through a competitive nationwide call-out.
Facilitated by Genevieve Grieves - a Worimi artist, educator, field builder, film director and oral historian, and co-founder and director of two Aboriginal profit-for-purpose entities (GARUWA and Shifting Ground) - the First Nations Social Enterprise Circle will explore the unique realities and benefits of creating impact as First Nations businesses.
Rooted in custodianship and a shared responsibility to community, Country, and future generations, the gathering responds to the urgent need for the social enterprise ecosystem to recognise, include and strengthen First Nations ways of doing business.
Drawing on the collective insights and critical reflection of the collective, the knowledge surfaced will contribute to the development of two key resources: a First Nations Values Framework, a shared reference reflecting diverse ways of being, doing, and knowing; and First Nations Values Map, a practical tool offering accessible guidance for both First Nations and non-Indigenous organisations committed to ethical collaboration, economic justice, and community-led solutions.
Together, these will create conditions for more just, community-led models to thrive, and lay the groundwork for long-term, systemic change, creating guidance for a social enterprise sector ready to listen, learn, and grow, and create benefits for all.
"I know how hard it is to build and sustain a First Nations business. The impact we create and the labour we do, the ongoing commitment to care for and uphold the wellbeing of community and Country often goes unseen, is dismissed as extra work only we should bear, or is deliberately unrecognised within the settler-colonial systems we operate in and against," Ms Grieves said.
"Justice, which is economic, climate, social, and beyond, is central to what we do as First Nations people and businesses because our work often directly challenges systems that continue to harm Country and community.
"We've chosen to have these conversations on Larrakia Country in Garramilla which I live as a guest on, because it's the frontline of so many of these issues. This gathering is a chance to share our experiences with each other and help build the understanding the sector needs to genuinely advance justice for all."
All eligible First Nations social enterprises, across any field or sector are encouraged to submit an EOI and take part in this landmark moment.
"Social enterprise" includes any First Nations-owned and led entity contributing to strengthening community (local or broader), culture, and social impact. Certification or formal recognition as a social enterprise is not required.
Shifting Ground value the knowledge, practices, approaches all First Nations businesses and organisations bring, and aim to reflect this diversity of structure and industry areas in their selection process.
With this the Aboriginal-owned and women-led enterprise hopes to assist in shaping a sector that is truly transformative of harmful systems, supporting and reflecting First Nations leadership, grounded in lived experience and community wisdom.
Applications close on Friday the 28th of November.
