Every year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations receive millions of dollars in funding. This money is entrusted to us to build capacity, create opportunity, strengthen culture and shift outcomes for our people. It is meant to grow our collective power.

Yet far too often, when it comes time to spend that money, it quietly slips back into the hands of non-Indigenous businesses. This is damaging.

When Black-funded organisations routinely engage non-Black suppliers, consultants and creatives, we undermine the very purpose of that funding. We talk about self-determination, economic empowerment and community control, yet our spending habits tell a different story. One that says convenience matters more than community. One that grows other people's businesses while ours are left fighting for scraps.

This must change.

Engaging Indigenous businesses should not be an afterthought. It should be the first consideration. The default. The standard. And in many cases, it should be non-negotiable.

Think about what it takes to run an organisation or deliver a project. Events need coordinators, caterers, photographers, videographers, MCs, keynote speakers and panellists. Communications require writers, designers, marketers and media specialists. Cultural obligations call for Welcome to Country, performers, musicians and DJs. Add project management, facilitation, corporate gifts, branded merchandise and digital services.

Across every one of these areas, there are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with the skills, professionalism and experience to deliver. They exist. They are visible. They are ready.

Yet organisations still default to the same non-Indigenous providers because "that's who we've always used" or because it feels safer. But safe for who?

Every time Black money is used to build the capacity of non-Black businesses, we reinforce a system that keeps Indigenous enterprises small, under-resourced and excluded from growth opportunities. We cannot complain about the lack of strong Indigenous businesses if we refuse to invest in them.

Backing Indigenous businesses is not about charity or tokenism. It is about alignment. It is about integrity. It is about ensuring our actions match our rhetoric.

When an Indigenous business wins a contract, the impact goes far beyond delivery. It creates jobs for mob. It provides training pathways for young people. It builds confidence, credibility and track record. It circulates wealth back into families and communities. It shows the next generation that success is possible and visible.

Nowhere is this more critical than in the creative and events sectors, where visibility and representation matter deeply. An event celebrating our people should not have Indigenous culture only on stage while everything behind the scenes is outsourced elsewhere. Authenticity is not just who speaks, but who is paid. Who designs. Who feeds the room. Who tells the story. Who benefits when the invoices are settled.

Some organisations claim Indigenous businesses cannot scale. But capacity does not grow in isolation. It grows when opportunity is given. No business becomes "ready" without first being trusted. If we do not give our own businesses the chance to deliver today, we deny them the ability to deliver bigger tomorrow.

Others say they don't know where to find Indigenous suppliers. That excuse no longer holds. Supply Nation, Indigenous business directories and community networks make these businesses easy to find. What is missing is not access. It is intention.

So, here is the uncomfortable question Black organisations must ask themselves: are you truly backing your own? Or are you benefiting from Black funding while reinforcing non-Black economies?

The call to action is simple and urgent. Do better.

If you are a Black-funded organisation or business, review your procurement practices now. Choose Indigenous first. Book Black-owned event managers. Engage Indigenous photographers, caterers and creatives. Pay Black keynote speakers, facilitators and cultural practitioners properly. Source your merchandise, branding and communications through our businesses. Build long-term relationships, not one-off engagements.

Because every decision you make sends a message. Either you are strengthening our ecosystem, or you are weakening it.

If we want our communities to thrive, if we want our young people to see success that looks like them, if we want self-determination to mean more than words, then it starts with one clear commitment.

Back Black.
Not sometimes.
Not when it's convenient.
Every time.