The First Nations House Summit, held during Perth's West Tech Fest, has become a landmark initiative in building global collaboration and empowerment among First Nations leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth.

The event highlights opportunities for economic independence and cultural pride while creating global connections to elevate Indigenous voices.

Noongar/Ballardong woman and director of First Nations X, Jaynaya Winmar spoke passionately about the summit's goals and the importance of creating spaces for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

"First Nations X is a network that's come together to collaborate, predominantly with the US consulate in Perth, to create space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to have exposure globally and showcase to the world what Indigenous businesses are all about," she said.

Ms Winmar said how her company, Blackbone Sistahood, was founded four years ago to address a gap in professional development for Indigenous women in corporate spaces.

"Blackbone Sistahood is because our Black women are the backbone of our community," she explained.

"It was an effortless transition into that space, coming from a strong matriarchal line of the Noongar Ballardong mob."

Reflecting on her early experiences in corporate environments, Ms Winmar described the challenges of navigating spaces that didn't reflect her identity.

"I was going into spaces that didn't look like me, didn't sound like me, and I was making myself smaller in those spaces," she said.

Over time, she realised the importance of fully embracing her cultural identity.

"Once I discovered that I didn't need to make anyone feel comfortable with my presence, I flipped the script," she said.

"I let my curly hair out, wore my kyrikin outfits, and brought my Indigenous business space earrings and jewellery into those spaces."

The summit plays a crucial role in fostering global connections and collaborations.

Ms Winmar emphasised the shared cultural values that unite Indigenous people worldwide.

"Our brothers and sisters globally are pretty much just the extension of family because we all have the same cultural values of family, land, country, and what that circular home looks like," she said.

Ms Winmar has been actively involved in international networks, including serving as the Australian advisor for Indigenous Women in Industry, based in New Zealand.

She recently participated in the World Indigenous Business Forum in Albuquerque, further strengthening global bonds.

"We're establishing those bonds and strengthening them by bringing this delegation to Australia this time," she said.

The summit's impact extended beyond the event itself, with interest pouring in from various quarters.

"I was looking at my phone halfway through the day, and there were a million messages from people asking, 'What's happening down at the river, and how can we be involved?'" she said.

Ms Winmar also highlighted the importance of creating spaces that reflect Indigenous identities and values.

"We've created a space that looks like us, sounds like us, and exposes not just Indigenous businesses to each other and our global brothers and sisters, but also to our West Tech family," she said.

For many attendees, the summit marked their first interaction with Indigenous businesses and leaders.

"These are people meeting Indigenous businesses for the first time and being exposed to an amazing delegation all around," Ms Winmar said.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Ms Winmar embodies the summit's mission to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs and build meaningful global connections.

The First Nations House Summit continues to set the stage for transforming economic opportunities and strengthening cultural bonds for Indigenous communities worldwide.