Across research, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want connection. They value culture deeply and see it as central to wellbeing, identity and belonging. Yet only 9.5% of us speak an Indigenous language at home (Ref: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), and many young people say they lack opportunities to learn, lead and participate in cultural life in meaningful or contemporary ways.
By 2031, the economic value generated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is projected to exceed $50 billion annually, driven by a growing young workforce and the rapid expansion of Indigenous-owned businesses.
Many young people already dream of building businesses, creating wealth, shaping their communities and building a future they can inherit with pride. But connection and guidance are needed from us and from each other.
Indigenous Future Leaders Assembly (IFLA) was introduced as a youth-led collective of emerging Aboriginal business leaders, led by members who hold undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in Business or related fields.
IFLA was developed by IBIR to champion cultural leadership and the future of Indigenous enterprise by empowering young people to assess cultural legitimacy, representation, and community benefit against the Indigenous Business Operational Standard 0103 (IBOS 0103) and under strict governance processes, cultural guidance and mentorship – ensuring Indigenous businesses are Indigenous owned and led as claimed.
The goals of IFLA are to bring our young people into the conversation now and nurture the next generation of Aboriginal leaders who can stand strong in culture, confident in business, and committed to integrity, and give young leaders the power to shape the cultural, economic and social trajectory of First Nations communities for generations to come.
For the rest of us and our legacy, it provides confidence that anything built in our name – any business, enterprise or opportunity – remains honest, and aligned with community expectations. If you are a young person who shows leadership qualities, is curious about business, wants to help build something bigger than themselves, is seeking cultural grounding alongside professional pathways dreams of creating wealth that benefits family and community, then we invite you to stay close to IFLA.
Together, we can protect our culture and raise a generation of leaders.