The biennial Indigenous Governance Awards for 2026 have been launched, with First Nations organisations encouraged to apply for a share of $60,000, alongside professional development, media exposure and networking opportunities.
Delivered by Reconciliation Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI), the awards — now in their 21st year — publicly recognise and celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and groups whose effective governance enables them to make extraordinary contributions to their communities and to the nation.
AIGI chief executive Ragina Rogers said the IGAs recognise the "incredible work of groups who walk in both worlds, and show what effective, culturally legitimate governance can achieve".
"Our peoples have governed ourselves for thousands of generations," she said, "and today Indigenous-led organisations continue that legacy by embedding culture, kinship and community expectations at the heart of their decision-making."
The awards feature three categories recognising outstanding examples of Indigenous governance.
- Category One is open to Indigenous-led unincorporated organisations and groups.
- Category Two recognises Indigenous-led small to medium incorporated organisations with annual revenue under $1 million.
- Category Three is for large Indigenous-led incorporated organisations with annual revenue exceeding $1 million.
Winners in each category receive $20,000, along with opportunities for further development and engagement as part of the prize package.
Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said effective Indigenous governance is a prerequisite for self-determination — a core principle of reconciliation.
She noted the awards "promote governance" that demonstrates the value of Indigenous leadership to "advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and secure justice".
Highlighting the awards' impact, Ms Mundine added: "The achievements of previous IGA finalists show us what is possible when communities are in control."
In 2024, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation on the Dampier Peninsula won the Category Three award. CEO Nathan McIvor said the recognition had boosted confidence among the organisation's board and senior leadership, while also lifting its profile with governments and corporations.
"Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation has won many awards over the year, but I can honestly say that there has been no other award which has had more impact than the Indigenous Governance Award we took home," he said.
"We know that without effective governance, we wouldn't be where we are today."
Ms Mundine said the "enormous successes" of previous winners highlighted the "importance of First Nations leadership in governance as the most effective way of achieving meaningful change and reconciliation".
"Governments, corporates and indeed all Australians need to learn from and support these self-determined solutions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," she added.
Applications and nominations must be received by 11:59pm AEDT Friday 6 March 2026. More information and applications are available at Indigenous Governance Awards 2026.
