Photographer: Tom Widdup
Led by the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance, in partnership with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia and UN Global Compact Network Australia, the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative was established in 2021 in response to the Juukan Gorge incident, recognising the need for First Nations-led approaches to cultural heritage protection.
It is grounded in the Dhawura Ngilan (Remembering Country) Vision — a roadmap developed by the Heritage Chairs of Australia and New Zealand to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage management through extensive consultation with Indigenous stakeholders.
Our Journey in Three Stages
Stage 1. Developing guides (2022-2024)
Terri Janke and Company translated the Dhawura Ngilan Vision into practical guides for businesses and investors, created in collaboration with First Nations groups and industry. This stage culminated in the launch of the Dhawura Ngilan Principles and Implementation Guide on 19 March 2024 on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country — a major milestone celebrated with cultural performances and keynote addresses from government, industry, and First Nations leaders.
Stage 2: Uptake and Adoption (2024–2026)
The Initiative is now focused on raising awareness and supporting adoption of the Principles across industry. This includes hosting workshops with businesses and investors, and working to integrate the Dhawura Ngilan Principles into existing frameworks. We are also working with key businesses and investors across a range of sectors to pilot implementation of the Dhawura Ngilan principles, including BHP, Lendlease, HESTA, QIC, Silva Capital, and others. Insights from this stage will shape recommendations for scaling the model more broadly.
Stage 3: Sustainable Implementation (2026 onwards)
The final stage will expand the Initiative’s reach to embed the Dhawura Ngilan Vision across more businesses and investors to create a long-term, sustainable approach to protecting First Nations cultural heritage.
