Indigenous Brilliance: A Look Inside the 2024 AIATSIS Summit
By Bree Pagliuso|
The 2024 AIATSIS Summit came alive over five days in early June. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) became a buzzing place of cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
With 2,150 attendees joining both in person and online, the summit was one of the largest gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ever seen in Melbourne.
Celebrating the power of collaboration and cultural integration, the event significantly impacted attendees, the local economy, and the community beyond the summit.
Spotlight on AIATSIS
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is Australia’s leading authority on Indigenous cultures, dedicated to preserving and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and heritage.
AIATSIS ensures that Indigenous cultures are respected, understood, and integrated into Australia’s national story through its research, archives, and educational resources.
At the 2024 AIATSIS Summit, this mission was front and centre, creating a space where tradition and modern thought came together, sparking new ideas and strengthening cultural connections.
Opening with respect and ceremony
The summit kicked off with a powerful Welcome to Country and a traditional smoking ceremony, setting the stage for an event rooted in respect and cultural significance. These heartfelt acknowledgments of the land and its people were more than just moments—they were the perfect introduction to a vibrant cultural program that celebrated heritage and sparked meaningful connections.
Following the ceremonies, prominent Indigenous leaders took the spotlight, steering the conversation toward knowledge-sharing and forward-thinking ideas, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Jodie Sizer, AIATSIS chairperson, emphasised the importance of cultural integration and leadership.
Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg, co-chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, explored the future of Indigenous governance, land rights, and the journey towards treaties.
Jamie Lowe, CEO of the National Native Title Council, delivered the Mabo Lecture, providing invaluable insights into native title and its significance for Indigenous communities.
A rich and diverse program
Under the theme Celebrating Indigenous Brilliance: Then and Now, the summit honoured the world’s longest-living culture by blending deep-rooted heritage with modern evolution.
Concurrent sessions covered essential topics such as rights, recognition, representation, and connection to land and country.
These discussions included Pathways to Recognition: Navigating Native Title and Treaty Processes, which explored the complexities of native title claims and the ongoing journey towards treaty agreements. Cultural Heritage: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future focused on protecting and promoting Indigenous cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. Economic Empowerment: Indigenous-Led Development and Growth examined successful Indigenous-led economic initiatives and strategies for sustainable development. Rights and Representation: Ensuring Indigenous Voices are Heard provided a critical look at how Indigenous rights are being recognised and represented in political and social arenas.
Cultural resilience was a central theme throughout the summit, with sessions dedicated to exploring how Indigenous cultures thrive despite challenges.
Highlights included Strength in Continuity: Thriving Through Tradition, which delved into how traditional practices and knowledge systems have been preserved and adapted to ensure cultural survival. Overcoming Adversity: Indigenous Responses to Contemporary Challenges addressed how Indigenous communities tackle modern issues such as climate change, globalisation, and social inequality. Celebrating Success: Stories of Resilience and Achievement showcased the successes of Indigenous communities in maintaining their cultural identities and achieving self-determination.
Deeper learning
Designed to deepen understanding, foster respect, and celebrate the unique contributions of First Nations peoples, the summit featured several breakout sessions, including:
AIATSIS Consultation Sessions:
Participants engaged in ongoing discussions about cultural preservation and innovation.
Digitisation and Preservation Workshops:
These workshops focused on safeguarding cultural materials and stories, ensuring Indigenous knowledge is protected for generations to come.
Economic Development Panels:
Explored Indigenous-led economic initiatives, discussing strategies for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Empowering the next generation
The Youth Forum was a standout feature of the summit, bringing together young native title holders, students, and community organisers to shape the future of Indigenous leadership, governance, and nation-building. Over several days, these young leaders engaged in dynamic discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, exchanging ideas and strategies to address the challenges and opportunities in their communities. The forum not only empowered these emerging voices but also guaranteed that their perspectives and visions were central to the broader conversations at the summit.
Focusing on youth leadership underscored the commitment to building a strong and resilient future for Indigenous peoples, grounded in tradition and driven by innovation.
Planning ahead
Behind every incredible moment at the AIATSIS Summit 2024 was eight months of meticulous planning. MCEC and Spinifex Events partnered to create an experience that was both dynamic and engaging. From selecting the perfect spaces to managing logistics, this partnership was the backbone of the summit’s success.
Inclusivity and sustainability everywhere
Our team put great thought into curating a menu that celebrated diversity and inclusivity, offering a wide array of delicious options to meet the varied dietary needs of all attendees. Every detail was covered from gluten-free and vegan dishes to culturally significant meals and allergen-conscious selections.
Bridging the gap between in-person and remote attendees, the summit offered a free live-streaming platform and a real-time updated app, giving delegates everything they needed right at their fingertips.
Leading the charge in sustainability , biodegradable name badges were used, digital signage was ramped up to cut down on paper waste, and a digital app was promoted to replace printed programs. Sustainability was front and centre, with reusable cups and clearly marked waste stations throughout the venue.
Making an impact
With delegates flying in from across Australia and two from overseas, the AIATSIS summit 2024 didn’t just light up MCEC—it also gave a significant boost to Melbourne’s hospitality sector. Delegates stayed an average of 3 to 5 nights, contributing to the local economy and amplifying the event’s overall impact.
The summit was a powerful example of culture, collaboration, and innovation coming together. It highlighted the strength of Indigenous communities, fostered meaningful connections, and drove forward-looking conversations that will continue to make an impact long after the event.
Quick fun facts
One of the biggest gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Melbourne, with 2,150 attendees.
Cultural performances from Djirri Djirri Cultural Services, Torres Strait dancers, and musicians like Canisha and Dave Arden & Orchestra.
The AIATSIS summit 2024 app kept everyone in the loop with real-time updates, program info, and speaker bios.
Biodegradable name badges, lots of digital signage, and a handy app helped reduce paper waste.
Multiple Welcome to Country and two smoking ceremonies set a respectful and inclusive tone.
Keynotes from big names like Ngarra Murray, Rueben Berg, and Jamie Lowe added serious star power.
Interactive sessions and workshops provided hands-on learning experiences.
Plenty of time and space for connecting and knowledge sharing, making it easy to meet new people and forge new partnerships.
MCEC’s catering offered a variety of options, meeting all dietary needs and delighting everyone’s taste buds.
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