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 provides 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 will incorporate GLAM and Research topics (1-3 June) and Indigenous Country and Governance topics (3-5 June). Dedicated programming will also be provided across the full five days for our youth and emerging leaders.
Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future
This year’s theme Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future pays tribute to, and acknowledges, the lived experience, strength, solidarity, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By owning our truths and stepping into our power, we actively build a more just, inclusive and hopeful future.
Venue
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Sub-themes
- Caring for Land and Sea Country (Sustainability) – 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 Preservation, 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 2026 Co-host
Summit 2026 will be hosted in partnership with Daggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation. Formally incorporated in 2019 to further aid the Five Rivers People social and economic aspirations, and to serve as their representative body in Native Title and Cultural heritage affairs. The Danggan Balun (Fiver Rivers) claim stretches from the Macpherson ranges to the Sea, their jagun (Country) is their heritage, and since the registration of their Native Title claim they have sought to strengthen the care for, and respect of, their cultural heritage, and they are continuing to build meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with land owners within their traditional lands.
Learn more on Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation.
Key Dates
Summit Awards finalists announced
Standard registrations open
Late registrations open
Summit Awards winners announced
News and Updates
Early Bird Registrations
Early bird registrations are now open and will close on Saturday 11 April 2026.
Call for Abstracts
Call for abstracts are now closed. To request a late abstract submission, please email Summit@aiatsis.gov.au
AIATSIS Summit Awards 2026
Nominations for the AIATSIS Summit Awards are now closed. Summit Award Finalists will be announced in early April 2026.
The Awards program is dedicated to celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence across five key categories:
- Excellence in Cultural Revitalisation, Preservation, and Resurgence
- Excellence in Sustainability and Sustainable Futures
- Excellence in First Nation Collection Care and Management
- Excellence in Youth and Emerging Leadership
- Excellence in Contemporary Innovation
For more information visit - AIATSIS Awards
Program Outline - Summit 2026
| Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Mabo Day | ||||
| Research / GLAM | Changeover Day | Indigenous Country and Governance | ||
| Focus - Education | Focus - Repatriation | Focus - Caring for Country | PBC - Closed Sessions | PBC - Closed Sessions |
| Focus - Research | Focus - Collections | Focus - Native Title | Focus - Languages | Focus - Governance |
| Welcome Reception | Gala Dinner | |||
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Sponsors
Thanks to all the 2026 AIATSIS sponsors for their generous support
Major Sponsor
Summit Champion
Youth Delegate Sponsor
Coffee Cart Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
T-shirt Sponsor
