The AIATSIS Summit provides a unique forum for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, leaders, and youth along with Academics, Native Title stakeholders, legal experts, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector and government representatives to come together and collaborate on the issues that matter most to First Nations peoples.
As one of the largest conferences of its kind, the Summit also offers opportunities to support and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge and governance and provides a forum to network and establish new relationships.
The Summit incorporated GLAM and Research topics (2-4 June) and Indigenous Country and Governance topics (4-6 June), along with a dedicated Youth and Emerging Leadership stream across the five-days.
Theme - Voices of Empowerment: Strengthening our Future
This 2025 theme Voices of Empowerment: Strengthening our Future pays tribute to a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' rights, knowledge, and voices are recognised, respected, and valued by all Australians today and tomorrow.
This event has now concluded.
Darwin Convention Centre
Sub-themes
- Sustainability / Sustainable futures (Caring for land and sea Country) – Understanding of the deep spiritual and cultural connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with their ancestral lands and water and how it influences their ways of being, knowing and doing.
- Rights, Recognition and Representation (Native title, land rights, ICIP, etc.) - Leveraging Traditional Owner rights for recognition and representation, locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Cultural revitalisation and resurgence – Celebrating the strength, depth, and brilliance of the oldest continuous living culture in the world.
- Intergenerational Knowledge – Recognising the invaluable knowledge, traditions and practices handed down from Elders and ancestors and how they shape the present and future.
- Contemporary Innovations – Celebrating the contemporary contributions and innovations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and practices in various fields, including arts, education, and governance.
Summit 2025 Co-host
Summit 2025 was hosted in partnership with Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) who is one of Darwin's leading community service organisations. The Larrakia Nation has grown strong in recent years and delivers a wide range of programs and services across the Darwin region. LNAC is one of the largest not-for-profit, non-government employers of Aboriginal people in Darwin.
Learn more on Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

News and Updates
AIATSIS Summit Awards 2025 - Winners Announced
The inaugural AIATSIS Summit Awards program is dedicated to celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence across a range of disciplines. AIATSIS is proud to announce the 2025 Winners are:
- Bunji Enterprises for Excellence in Sustainability and Sustainable Futures
- Harvey Aboriginal Corporation for Excellence in Cultural Revitalisation, Preservation, and Resurgence
- Common Ground First Nations for Excellence in Contemporary Innovation
- Jamie Hampton for Excellence in Youth and Emerging Leadership
Keynote Presentations
Day 1: Monday 2 June
Day 2: Tuesday 3 June
Day 3: Wednesday 4 June
Day 4: Thursday 5 June
Day 5: Friday 6 June - Native Title Expert Panel
Sponsors
Thanks to all our sponsors for supporting the 2025 AIATSIS Summit.