Indigenous Innovators

“Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud!” - the values most powerfully celebrated by this year’s NAIDOC theme which honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture. With fire as a symbol of connection to Country and to each other, but also to the rich, intricate, and interconnectedness of the cultural practices and traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

For this year’s Australian observance of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we will celebrate and honour the woman who stand out in their respective fields to pioneer, innovate and inspire. These Indigenous female innovators have made significant impacts in their areas of expertise, championing Indigenous rights, culture, and advancements through their groundbreaking work.  

If you're looking for photos to match these inspiring stories, you can find them by clicking on the links 

Cultural & Business Leadership: 

Lisa Sarago is a Bundaburra Yidinji/Western Yalanji woman and CEO of Land on Heart – an innovative organization dedicated to fostering connections to Indigenous culture through art, education, and community initiatives. Under her leadership, Land on Heart has become a prominent platform for promoting Indigenous cultural awareness and appreciation in tech innovation by nurturing emerging tech talent. Her efforts have been instrumental in supporting Indigenous artists and storytellers, ensuring their voices are heard and their cultural contributions are recognized and valued. 

To learn more about the solutions Land on Heart offers or to receive training to build your organisation's own Reconciliation Action Plan, please visit: 

SERVICES & SOLUTIONS - LAND ON HEART 

Anthropology & Academia: 

Marcia Langton is a leading academic in Indigenous studies. She has made significant contributions to the fields of anthropology and the understanding of Indigenous cultures and rights in Australia. Langton has published extensively and serves as a voice for Indigenous issues in academic and public forums.  

To purchase a copy of Marcia's book “A Welcome to Country Handbook A guide to Indigenous Australia” click the link below:  

https://kooricurriculum.com/products/the-welcome-to-country-handbook-a-guide-to-indigenous-australia-by-marcia-langton 

Biology: 

Camille Goldstone-Henry is a proud Kamilaroi woman and an accomplished conservation biologist. With extensive experience in biodiversity conservation and wildlife management, Camille has dedicated her career to protecting Australia's unique ecosystems and species like the Tasmanian devil and Sumatran tiger. More recently, she co-founded Xylo Systems – a cloud-based platform which uses artificial intelligence to help businesses measure and manage their biodiversity footprint.  

To learn more about Xylo Systems and how your projects can be biodiversity positive please visit: 

https://www.xylo.systems/ 

Media & Journalism: 

Brooke Boney is a prominent journalist and television presenter. She has used her platform to advocate for Indigenous issues and bring awareness to Indigenous culture and history. Boney is known for her work on national television and her contributions to media diversity. 

Listen to her podcast “Brooke and Linda’s Dream Club” here: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5QBMZu0K9NGWuGsHXnnqLc 

Environmental Research: 

Dr Jodie van de Kamp is a Palawa woman and Research Group Leader for Aquatic Ecosystem Processes in Environment at CSIRO in Hobart. Using molecular ecology, she observes and assesses biodiversity and ecological health, especially in coastal environments, focusing on the effects of human activities and long-term ocean health trends. 

To learn more about to contact Jodie please visit: 

https://people.csiro.au/V/J/Jodie-Vandekamp 

Law & Human Rights: 

Megan Davis is an esteemed lawyer and human rights advocate. She played a crucial role in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and is a leading voice in constitutional reform and Indigenous rights. Davis has worked internationally, representing Indigenous issues at the United Nations. 

To order a copy of her book, “Everything you Need to Know About the Uluru Statement from the Heart” please click below: 

 https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/8567852 

Design & Architecture: 

Alison Page is an award-winning designer and architect known for incorporating Indigenous cultural elements into contemporary design. She has worked on various projects that celebrate Indigenous heritage and has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous representation in the design industry. 

To learn more about her work please click the link below: 

https://alisonpage.com.au/ 

Psychology:  

Dr. Tracy Westerman is a clinical psychologist renowned for her work in Indigenous mental health. She founded Indigenous Psychological Services (IPS) and developed culturally appropriate mental health programs. Her contributions have significantly impacted the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.  

To experience Tracy's workshops and to pre-order her upcoming memoir, please visit: 

https://indigenouspsychservices.com.au/ 

Aerospace: 

Renee Wootton is a proud Tharawal woman and a pioneering aerospace engineer. She has made significant contributions to the aerospace industry, breaking barriers and serving as an inspiration for Indigenous Australians and women in STEM. Renee is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the engineering field, advocating for greater representation of Indigenous people and women in aerospace. 

To work with Renee on diversity and inclusion topics in the engineering field, please learn more by clicking below: 

R W (reneewootton.com)