The First Nations Social Enterprise Circle is a groundbreaking two-day gathering in Garramilla/Darwin for up to eight First Nations-owned and led social enterprises — these are businesses or collectives that generate income while creating social, cultural, &/or environmental benefits. They do not need to be certified or formally recognised as social enterprises.

Facilitated by Genevieve Grieves, Co-Founder & Director of two First Nations profit-for-purpose enterprises, Shifting Ground & GARUWA, the program is an opportunity for enterprises to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and strengthen one another, while laying the foundations for the creation of a First Nations Values Framework and Values Map. Developed by Shifting Ground based on the insights of the Social Enterprise Circle, these tools aim to strengthen First Nations participation and recognition in the social enterprise sector, on our terms.

Participants will come together to:

• Reflect on the challenges created by systems that have historically excluded First Nations voices and limited economic, as well as political and social sovereignty,

• Explore new ways for First Nations enterprises to be recognised and understood, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, collective responsibility, and decolonising practices, and

• Share experiences, surface solutions and co-create strategies that embed First Nations values and practices at the heart of social enterprise.

The insights and knowledge generated in this process are intended to contribute to systemic change, supporting wider recognition of First Nations-led work and strengthening pathways toward economic justice and self-determination.

Applications have now closed.