Cultural Governance
How FNEHA centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, community control and self-determination.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance at the centre
FNEHA is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, leadership and community control are not peripheral to our work, they are the foundation of everything we do.
Cultural governance means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have authority over the decisions, directions and systems that affect their communities. It means that community voice, lived experience, and cultural knowledge shape our national work not just as consultation, but as leadership.
Our approach
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead FNEHA, at Board level, in the Secretariat and in our national work. Leadership is not symbolic; it is structural.
Community control
We believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must have authority over the health services and systems that affect them. Community control is a proven model for improving health outcomes.
Self-determination
We uphold the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to determine their own futures and to lead the decisions that shape their health and wellbeing.
Cultural safety
We are committed to culturally safe ways of working — in our organisation, in our partnerships and in the systems we seek to reform. Cultural safety is a responsibility, not an aspiration.
Community voice
Community voice is central to our national work. We listen to, and are accountable to, the communities we serve.
Data sovereignty
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have the right to govern the collection, ownership and application of data about their people and communities.
Cultural Governance Framework
FNEHA's Cultural Governance Framework is currently being reviewed and strengthened. We will update this page as this work progresses.
In the meantime, FNEHA's commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, community control and self-determination is reflected in our Constitution, Strategy 2024–2028 and across our national work.