First Nations

Our impact

We have a long history of supporting First Nations organisations and communities. Each year, 25% of our consulting projects are focused on improving outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities. Our case studies showcase the impact we have in First Nations people’s lives.

Current state

Long before colonisation, Australia was home to more than 500 First Nations groups. For more than 60,000 years they have developed and refined ways of life across generations. The impact of colonisation and government policies have been devastating. Foreign laws have been imposed, children forcibly removed and land appropriated. The resultant inequality between non-Indigenous and First Nations peoples is Australia’s greatest social and moral challenge.

Our vision

We have a vision for an Australia where all people and communities thrive. This can only be achieved when our First Nations peoples flourish. We realise that achieving our goal is not an easy task. It requires institutional, policy, funding and service change. All with a focus on increasing First Nation people’s capacity to have control over their own lives. Read our commitment to First Nations peoples.

We work with First Nations organisations, government, funders and other partners to achieve our vision. We bring an objective, fact-based approach and help our First Nations clients and partners deliver meaningful and sustainable change. Our work has taught us that as a non-Indigenous organisation, we need to hold ourselves to the highest level of accountability. Our work is guided by our First Nations Practice Principles.

Our work

Together with First Nations people and communities, we’re creating change across Australia.

A new model for First Nations partnerships
This case study from Australia’s tropical marine research agency, for which we conducted a social value analysis, offers practical lessons for organisations seeking to build respectful, impactful partnerships with First Nations communities.
Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa – Walking the talk
The Walking the Talk report calls for a shift in how government works – from control to partnership, and from program delivery to shared purpose and accountability.
Gunaikurnai Strategic Plan
We created a strategic plan for the Gunaikurnai people and Victorian Government to jointly manage the parks and reserves on Gunaikurnai Country.
Karrkad Kanjdji Trust
We worked with Karrkad Kanjdji Trust to design a bush university for Indigenous ranger training.

We know what works

We are changing the tactics of Balanda (non-Indigenous) education to suit Bininj (Indigenous) learning.” Dean Yimbarbuk • Chair of Warddeken Land Management Limited, Co-Chair of Karrkad Kanjdji Trust

Critical to the success of the project was the deep, trusting working relationships developed between SVA, VACCHO and our Members. Without this trust, and the time invested by staff at VACCHO and our Members, critical data needed to develop projections would not have been available.” Jim O’Shea • Proud Gumbaynggirr Man, Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

The SVA 10 year evaluation gave Martu the opportunity to tell us and mainstream Australia what is important to them and for future programs affecting their communities to be measured against that standard. We have again been very impressed with the capability and commitment of SVA’s consultants. They have the skill to balance the need for robust and rigorous evaluation with the empathy required to be reactive to the needs and rhythms of remote communities.” Zan King • General Manager, External Affairs, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa

Our membership tasked us to develop a model, which is directly responsive to servicing the strategic aspirations of Traditional Owners in the desert to care for their Country. Working with SVA’s team has enabled us to develop a robust structure which supports this vision, whist providing the opportunity and security to funders to invest in Indigenous driven conservation projects, backed and supported in their delivery by the IDA.” Lindsey Langford • CEO, Indigenous Desert Alliance