Snow Foundation has established a First Nations Advisory Committee, giving First Nations leaders a formal role in shaping the Foundation's strategy, priorities and grant-making.
The Committee builds on 15 years of partnership between Snow Foundation and First Nations communities and organisations and is designed to embed self-determination more deeply in how philanthropic decisions are made.
Since 2011, Snow Foundation has partnered with more than 35 First Nations organisations, taking a long-term view, backing First Nations leadership and empowering communities, particularly in health.
Chaired by Bidjara woman Adjunct Professor Maree Meredith, the Committee brings together First Nations leaders Dr Mark Wenitong (Kabi Kabi and Vanuatu (Kanaka) Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Queensland, Andrea Mason OAM (Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjatjara) previous chief executive officer, NPY Women's Council and Desmond Campbell (Gurindji and Alawa) chief executive officer, Welcome to Country.
They are joined by two non-Indigenous allies Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, Chancellor of Western Sydney University, and Anne Cregan, Partner in Gilbert + Tobin's Pro Bono practice.
First Nations members will set the direction of the Committee, with allies contributing their experience across business, government, law and social impact.
Adjunct professor Meredith said the Committee represented an opportunity to approach philanthropy from the perspective of First Nations communities.
"I believe communities have a right to be informed about the activities of any philanthropic or corporate organisations, especially when they operate on country," she said.
"It is not only about access to philanthropic opportunities but also about ensuring that philanthropy aligns with First Nations aspirations and values.
"This is a two-way relationship and a matter of social license. Walking together with our allies, is an important step towards building long term, trusted partnerships in community and across the sector.
"Philanthropy, like life, is all about relationships. At the Snow Foundation, we put relationships first."
Committee member Desmond Campbell said the Committee would provide an important cultural lens to the Foundation's work and strengthen connections between First Nations leaders and philanthropy.
"I'm excited to join the First Nations Advisory and contribute a cultural lens to the implementation of their strategy, while strengthening two-way learning and partnerships between First Nations businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders and the philanthropic sector," he said.
"There is a real opportunity for us to learn from one another and create stronger, more meaningful relationships that lead to lasting impact."
The Committee builds on the ongoing contribution of Adjunct professor Meredith, Senior Noongar woman and Associate professor Vicki Wade and Dharug woman and human rights lawyer Karen Iles.
Their work will be guided by the Five R's of philanthropy: respect, relationships, responsibility, reciprocity and redistribution.
