Shared wisdom: reflections from the AIATSIS International Delegation to Australia 2025

Jenna Harris

The AIATSIS International Delegation to Australia 2025 was a strategic initiative designed to foster mutual learning, build both individual and institutional capacity, and strengthen international ties between AIATSIS, like-minded institutions and First Nations peoples.

In late May 2025, AIATSIS welcomed an international delegation to Australia, supported in part by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and their Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) – a body established to enhance diplomatic, cultural and economic connections between Australia and Latin America.

The delegation brought together a distinguished group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders and cultural experts from Guatemala, Mexico and the United States for a transformative three-week journey centred on learning, connection, culture and shared purpose.

‘To be welcomed onto Larrakia land, to see the way you honour your connection to Country, to water – it was magical. In Guatemala, we are the daughters of the corn. Here, you are the children of the water. And both are sacred.’ – Laura Jazmín Cotí Lux

The COALAR supported delegates included Laura Jazmín Cotí Lux, a First Nations Mayan woman who serves as Vice Minister of Cultural and Natural Heritage in Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture and Sports. Representing Mexico, Octavio Murillo Álvarez de la Cadena, Director of Collections at the Instituto Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas (National Institute of Indigenous Peoples), contributed his deep expertise.

Laura and Octavio were joined by DFAT supported delegates, including fellow Mexican Almandina Cárdenas Demay, General Coordinator of Language Policies at the Instituto Nacional de Lenguas Indígenas (National Institute of Indigenous Languages) and, from the United States, Christina Snider-Ashtari, a First Nations member of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians and Tribal Affairs Secretary to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Together, these leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange, fostering international collaboration and deepening the understanding of Indigenous heritage and policy across borders. As Octavio reflected, ‘To walk on Larrakia Country, to share stories with Aboriginal communities, it reminded me that we are not alone. Our colonial histories are different, but our fight is the same’.

The international delegates each presented at the AIATSIS Summit 2025 in Garramilla/Darwin, sharing insights from their respective areas of expertise. During the week, Laura reflected, ‘To be welcomed onto Larrakia land, to see the way you honour your connection to Country, to water – it was magical. In Guatemala, we are the daughters of the corn. Here, you are the children of the water. And both are sacred’.

Our experience with the delegation was far more than a series of meetings and significant Australian cultural or landmark visits – it was a journey of shared wisdom, cultural pride and enduring relationships.

The delegation’s activities spanned cultural institutions; urban, regional and remote communities; and policy discussions. A recurring theme throughout was the importance of language and cultural continuity. As Almandina powerfully stated, ‘Ninety-five percent of the world’s languages are Indigenous. And yet so many are disappearing. When we lose a language, we lose a way of seeing the world’.

While the delegates have now returned to their home countries, the connections forged and the knowledge exchanged will continue to grow and, in doing so, strengthen us all.

‘To walk on Larrakia Country, to share stories with Aboriginal communities, it reminded me that we are not alone. Our colonial histories are different, but our fight is the same.’ – Octavio Murillo Álvarez de la Cadena

Highlights of the AIATSIS International Delegation 2025

Tuesday 27 May – Arrival and introductions

The delegates touched down in Warrane/Sydney, where they were warmly welcomed on the foreshore of Tubowgule/Warrane Harbour by AIATSIS staff, COALAR board members and embassy and consulate representatives. The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation as introductions were made and the journey ahead was set in motion.

Wednesday 28 May – Cultural foundations in Sydney

The group visited the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, where they enjoyed a private tour of an exhibition of Gweagal spears – Mungari: Fishing, Resistance, Return. The visit sparked rich conversations about cultural preservation and the role of institutions. It also gave us an opportunity to show the delegates the results of our Return of Cultural Heritage program, as AIATSIS had facilitated the return of the Gweagal spears from the United Kingdom in 2024.

Thursday 29 May – On Country at Uluṟu

Flying into Yulara, the delegation was welcomed by Stephen Baldwin, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park Manager. A drive past a controlled burn offered insight into traditional fire management practices. At the base of Uluṟu, Senior Ranger James led the Mala Walk, sharing Aṉangu Tjukurpa and ancient rock art.

Later, the group visited the Muṯitjulu Community, meeting with the Muṯitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation Chair Dorethea Randall and CEO Rob Drew. The day ended with a breathtaking sunset over Uluṟu. We ate dinner outdoors, with an unobstructed view of the Milky Way, listening to local Tjukurpa and the meaning in the stars.

Friday 30 May – Central Australia connections

In Mparntwe / Alice Springs, the delegation received a Welcome to Country from Rosalie Riley on the banks of the Todd River. They toured AIATSIS Central Australia, which opened to the public in November 2024, and explored its digitisation suites and exhibition spaces, learning about our on-Country digitisation program, community access and family history programs.

A visit to Simpsons Gap offered delegates a glimpse of the region’s captivating landscape, while they witnessed sightings of black-footed rock wallabies and learned about other local flora and fauna.

Delegates then shared an evening meal with former and current AIATSIS Council members and other local Indigenous stakeholders.

Saturday 31 to Sunday 1 June – Northward to Garramilla / Darwin

The group travelled to Larrakia Country for a well-earned rest over the weekend. Delegates then joined the AIATSIS Senior Executive Team for a welcome dinner on Sunday night. Conversation was lively and enriching, setting the tone for the coming week of AIATSIS Summit 2025 activities.

Monday 2 to Friday 6 June – AIATSIS Summit 2025

Throughout the week, delegates participated in the AIATSIS Summit, delivering presentations, engaging in panel discussions and participating in on-Country activities. These sessions emphasised shared challenges and innovative approaches to language revitalisation, cultural heritage and Indigenous governance. A particular highlight for the delegates was the visit to the community of Belyuen, located on the eastern side of Cox Peninsula.

Friday 6 June – Diverging activities

Our delegate from Guatemala, Vice Minister Laura attended meetings in Canberra, continuing the important work of cultural diplomacy and collaboration in the capital.

Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 June – Farewells begin

We said our first goodbyes as Laura and Almandina both returned home, while Octavio and Christina stayed on in Canberra for further engagements.

Tuesday 10 June – Deepening knowledge at AIATSIS

After the public holiday, Octavio and Christina visited Maraga, AIATSIS’s facility in Canberra. They were Welcomed to Country with a Smoking Ceremony and met with subject matter experts from across the organisation. Highlights included tours of the collection vaults and digitisation suites, and discussions with the Indigenous Country and Governance team.

Wednesday 11 June – Diplomacy in Practice

The remaining delegates enjoyed a morning of stimulating conversations with our Return of Cultural Heritage and Ngurra Cultural Precinct teams. The day’s main event, however, was a panel hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: ‘First Nations Diplomacy in Practice: Latin America and Australia’. Octavio was among the speakers, alongside our own AIATSIS CEO Leonard Hill and Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People Justin Mohamed. The panel explored the unique relationship between Australia and Latin America, and our growing engagement on First Nations issues.

Thursday 12 June – Final Reflections and Farewell

Christina participated in a yarning circle at the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre at the Australian National University focused on Indigenous fire management in our respective countries. This was followed by a brief visit to the National Museum of Australia and a final opportunity for our delegates to return to AIATSIS for further idea sharing – this time with our Education team and staff in the AIATSIS Centre for Australian Languages. The Mexican Embassy graciously hosted a farewell reception before we wrapped up our time with the delegation and said our last farewells.

‘Ninety-five percent of the world’s languages are Indigenous. And yet so many are disappearing. When we lose a language, we lose a way of seeing the world.’ – Almandina Cárdenas Demay

Looking Ahead

The AIATSIS International Delegation to Australia 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in cultural exchange and Indigenous solidarity across oceans and borders. It brought together leaders from diverse nations who, despite different colonial histories, share common struggles and aspirations for the preservation and flourishing of their cultures, languages and communities.

Through every conversation, site visit and shared experience – from Warrane and Uluṟu to Garramilla and Canberra – the delegation deepened not only institutional partnerships but also relationships grounded in respect, reciprocity, shared purpose and friendship. These bonds will continue to inform and inspire Australia and AIATSIS’ international engagement, strengthening our collective efforts to support Indigenous peoples to speak for and celebrate their cultures. Stoking the campfire for continued collaboration and cultural diplomacy for years to come.