News

Over the past three weeks, we travelled over 24,250 km by air and drove 4,200 km across the United States, exploring five states, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Hawaii. This journey was a blend of business and deep cultural connection, driven by a commitment to reciprocity and mutual growth.

Our path was paved with powerful connections, especially within Indigenous communities. Each stop was a learning experience, rich in exchange and filled with inspiration. From the spirit-filled Spirit Farm in the Navajo Nation and the Wellness Centre and A’Shiwi College in the Zuni Nation to the empowering WIBF event, Agua Caliente Sec’he Cultural Centre, and the vibrant Waikiki International Market – Sunset Stories. Each place, each person, brought wisdom and energy that strengthened our journey.

One of the profound highlights was WIBF, where we had the honour of witnessing powerful Indigenous women, like Janaya Winmar, leading with heart and representing their families, communities, and cultures with pride. The launch of the first-ever Global Fund, managed by Matriarchs for future Matriarchs and facilitated by Rachel Petero, was a significant milestone that promises an empowered future for Indigenous women. With our fearless leader Kristal Kinsela with us in spirit, gave us strength and determination along the way.

We were moved by inspiring stories, like Magie Cooke’s journey through vulnerability and adversity, and resonated with insights from James Collard on “The Iron Horse: A Suggested Model for International Inter-Tribal Trade” and Alana Kennedy’s vision of “Global Inter-Tribal Trade.”

To all the strong Indigenous businesses that self-funded their participation and showed up with strength and resilience, your presence was a powerful reminder of the journey that lies ahead. The statistics, or lack thereof highlight that Australia has much work to do to catch up with other parts of the world in supporting Indigenous business growth and self-determination, despite the Closing the Gap funding Government promotes. We are committed to helping Close this Gap and promoting accountability and growth in this space, working side by side with Indigenous businesses locally, nationally, and globally.