Proper governance, leadership growth and succession planning are at the heart of a corporate leadership program enhancing skills of the next wave of Indigenous executives.

The board governance scholarship program launched in September 2025 when BHP partnered with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) to strengthen Indigenous leadership.

The initiative assists First Nations executives and aspiring board members build governance capability and contribute to stronger decision making across Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations.

The program's aim to develop a pipeline of skilled First Nations directors and support long-term community and business outcomes is right on track, with 250 projected participants to be or already further equipped with executive, governance and leadership skills.

The timely governance education for Indigenous leaders was backed by a $1 million contribution from BHP, who said the successful initial intake from the partnership with AICD led them to continue the initiative in 2026.

Up to 46 scholarships are available in the next funding round, to be delivered in South Australia and Western Australia between February and May.

Scholars were drawn from a diverse group of experienced Indigenous leaders, with previous program participants saying their experience was reaping rewards already, providing tangible benefits for community and boards.

Gayaa Dhuwi director and Arrernte man, Tony Kiessler, said better management of the organisation would result from the program.

"There was a lot to take back to my organisation to strengthen the way we govern and manage," the current CEO of the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association said.

"The work we did on the legal requirements for being a board director was very impressive."

Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation director Tracey Hough praised the breadth of talent she encountered during the scholarship.

"Having those people with different, broad experiences around the table was really great," the proud Barkandji, Malyangapa and Gangalidda woman said.

BHP said the course aimed to deepen governance knowledge and provide insights for participants to strengthen leadership capability and succession planning within Indigenous organisations.

"The program is an opportunity to build strong governance skills, support community decision-making, and prepare future leaders for potential board roles," BHP said.

Structured governance education through the AICD's Governance Foundations for NFP Directors course and culturally-grounded coaching and leadership development were key elements of the program, which included virtual mentoring sessions with Nyiyaparli, Yindjibarndi woman Jahna Cedar OAM.

Personal leadership workshops with Indigenous and veteran-owned consultancy JY Australia, and access to the AICD's First Nations community of practice also features in the program.

AICD managing director and CEO, Mark Rigotti, said the collaboration with BHP reflected their commitment to building leadership capability across the Indigenous business sector.

"AICD is excited to be collaborating with BHP on this important initiative... we hope it not only inspires emerging directors but also challenges their perspectives and strengthen their governance expertise," he said.

"The ultimate aim is to see stronger leadership in First Nations communities."

BHP head of Indigenous engagement, Allan James, said the program reflected the company's long-term approach working with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.

"The relationships BHP has with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities are some of the most important we will ever share," Mr James said.

"Through programs like this, BHP has the opportunity to help Indigenous leaders learn from each other and gain exceptional leadership skills through the great work of AICD."

Applications for the next intake are currently open and close January 28. More information is available online.