Investing in programs that build Indigenous economies, intergenerational wealth, and First Nations economic sovereignty across Australia and beyond.
The Indigenous Business Council (IBC) is a not-for-profit organisation that invests in the initiatives that build Indigenous economies and create intergenerational wealth for First Nations communities across Australia and beyond.
IBC invests in economic infrastructure — the verification systems, leadership academies, enterprise programs, and governance frameworks that allow Indigenous wealth to be created, retained, and grown across generations. This is the difference between relief and sovereignty.
It is the governing body for the Nyoongar2050 Sovereign Wealth Strategy — a globally informed, academically reviewed framework for First Nations wealth creation.
Deploying donations and grants into integrity infrastructure, leadership academies, and enterprise programs that build lasting Indigenous economies.
Resourcing the globally informed, academically reviewed framework for First Nations intergenerational wealth creation across Australia.
Funding community programs that connect Indigenous enterprise to land, food sovereignty, cultural practice, and community wellbeing.
“For too long, economic participation has been presented as an act of charity toward First Nations peoples. It is not. It is an act of justice — and it begins with integrity in every transaction, every partnership, and every boardroom.”
Every dollar that flows through the IBC is directed toward programs that build lasting Indigenous economic infrastructure. Not short-term spending. Not the appearance of inclusion. Real, structural, intergenerational wealth creation.
Independent verification of Indigenous business ownership, governance, and community benefit. The foundational layer that protects procurement integrity and makes sovereign wealth possible.
Developing the next generation of First Nations business leaders, governance professionals, and community wealth stewards equipped to negotiate on Country and build lasting enterprises.
Funding Gather Foundation programs and community-led enterprise initiatives that connect Indigenous economic activity to cultural land, food sovereignty, and community benefit.
Supporting the development of IBOS — the Indigenous Business Operating Standard — through Standards Australia and ISO accreditation pathways. First Nations communities must hold the policy leadership.
Developing the governance frameworks and investment structures that allow ILUA settlements and enterprise revenue to build intergenerational wealth — not be spent down in a generation.
Building partnerships with Maori, Canadian First Nations, and global procurement bodies to position Australian Indigenous business governance as world-leading and open international pathways.
Be part of the change. The Pay It Forward program sees First Nations businesses fund IBIR verification costs for other First Nations businesses that cannot yet afford them — removing cost as a barrier to integrity, and growing the movement from within. Every donor is publicly acknowledged on IBIR.
Corporate Australia has a meaningful role to play in building First Nations economic sovereignty. IBC corporate sponsorships fund the integrity infrastructure, leadership programs, and enterprise initiatives that deliver measurable, independently verified ESG and Reconciliation Action Plan outcomes — at a scale that tick-boxes never can.
The IBC's philosophy is rooted in the understanding that First Nations peoples were the first entrepreneurs — managing sophisticated trade routes, kinship economies, and governance systems long before colonisation. This is not history. It is the foundation of everything we build.
First Nations communities built and maintained vast trade networks — not purely economic, but cultural, spiritual, and relational. Goods, knowledge, and relationships flowed across Country, reinforcing shared responsibility. The IBC carries this principle forward: economic exchange must serve community, not extract from it.
Truth, respect, and trust were not compliance requirements — they were the architecture of community life. Accountability was cultural before it was legal. The IBC applies this understanding directly: integrity is not a layer added to economic activity. It is its foundation. Without it, wealth cannot be built or held.
First Nations governance has always held future generations as the primary stakeholder. Decisions were made not for today alone, but for the strength of those yet to come. The IBC invests with the same lens — prioritising intergenerational wealth creation over short-term returns, and legacy over transaction.
“Our work is our ceremony. Our ceremony is our work. Business that honours Country, community, and future generations is not a modern innovation — it is the oldest model of enterprise on this continent.”
The IBC does not replace the programs it governs and funds — each operates independently. But together, they form a coherent architecture for Indigenous economic sovereignty.
The globally informed, academically reviewed Sovereign Wealth Strategy for First Nations economic self-determination. The IBC is its governing body and strategic steward.
www.nyoongar2050.au ↗The Indigenous Business Integrity Register — independent verification of Indigenous business ownership, governance, and community benefit. Operates independently under IBC's strategic umbrella.
ibir.com.au ↗Community programs connecting Indigenous enterprise to land, food sovereignty, cultural practice, and community wellbeing. A wholly-owned program under the IBC umbrella.
gatherfoundation.org.au ↗A global conversation about the future of Indigenous economies. Hosted by Gerry Matera. New episodes weekly on YouTube.
Subscribe on YouTube ↗The IBC is governed by First Nations leaders, respected elders, business professionals, and community advocates — each committed to rigorous stewardship of the IBC's philanthropic mandate and the Nyoongar2050 strategy.
Nyoongar man and Gnaala Karla Booja Traditional Landowner, Gerry is the founder of Weitj Investments and a trailblazer in Indigenous business advocacy. He has built a series of successful businesses, attracting multiple industry awards and has been instrumental in leading a sector shift to one that adheres to high standards of integrity. Gerry has worked with academics and Elders to develop an international Business Standard of Operating for Indigenous business and a Sovereign Wealth Strategy for intergenerational sovereignty.
A Whadjuk Nyungar Elder and Traditional Owner of the Perth metropolitan area. Awarded a Doctor of Education Honoris Causa from Edith Cowan University and Emeritus Professorship from the University of Western Australia in the School of Indigenous Studies in 2023. Len strives to create knowledge, respect and an understanding of the role of Indigenous cultures to build agency and legacy for future generations on Nyungar boodjar.
Nyoongar Elder, Native Medicine Practitioner and published author in bushfood. A respected cultural authority whose knowledge of Country, native plants, and First Nations medicine traditions bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary application in Indigenous enterprise and community wellbeing.
Noongar man and Gnaala Karla Booja Traditional Landowner, Gerry is the founder of Weitj Investments and a trailblazer in Indigenous business advocacy. He has built a series of successful businesses, attracting multiple industry awards and has been instrumental in leading a sector shift to one that adheres to high standards of integrity. Gerry has worked with academics and Elders to develop an international Business Standard of Operating for Indigenous business and a Sovereign Wealth Strategy for intergenerational sovereignty.
Over 30 years of leadership experience across a broad range of industries, continents and cultures. Monica holds a Masters in Human Rights Education with a focus on Indigenous and children's rights. Born and raised on Wadjuk Noongar boodja, she is inherently committed to First People's first principles being embedded into organisations.
CPA and entrepreneur with expertise in structuring, strategy, and tax. Co-founder of Carbon Group, where he leads the accounting division. Nathan mentors startups and SMEs through board roles including Entrepreneurs Organisation and Life Ready — contributing to Australia's thriving business landscape.
