‘If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.’ – George Bernard Shaw.

Canadian guests at the IBA Business Conversations included Gordon Hardlotte, Director of Operations, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and Romeo Crow Chief, Chair, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association.

IBA believes similarly that creating opportunities for collective, contemporary thinking and the exchange of ideas and information will have a multiplying effect on the advancement of economic independence for Indigenous Australians.

IBA has been running an ongoing series of business events since 2007 as a platform to advance strategic discussions and relationships between Indigenous organisations, business leaders and industry representatives, government agencies and key information providers.

These events provide a platform from which participants can share their knowledge, expertise and experience and canvass ideas that may lead to the identification of solutions for the economic development of Indigenous Australians.

Last year local business events focused on current issues concerning the changing economic climate, and investment opportunities arising through climate change and the carbon economy.

In identifying new solutions and initiatives to further Indigenous economic development, IBA has looked closely at international indigenous models, and forged strong links and an ongoing dialogue with both the New Zealand and Canadian indigenous communities. Past visits by IBA staff to New Zealand and Canada have enabled IBA staff to observe first-hand the challenges and opportunities that exist within those international communities, develop relationships and share those apples of knowledge.

Relations between IBA and its international indigenous counterparts were further strengthened when a delegation of Canadian business and indigenous leaders visited Australia in March this year.

IBA representatives attended forums faciliated by the Canadian Consulate, where the delegation met with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practitioners and executives from some of Australia’s largest corporate organisations to discuss international practice in this area.

Members of the delegation were also able to engage with local Indigenous organisations, business and industry representatives and government agencies through two Business Conversations events IBA held in Cairns (19 March) and Darwin (22 March). These events provided a platform for national and international attendees to share their knowledge and expertise on sustainable business development, carbon capture and storage and CSR practices.

IBA General Manager Ron Morony said that it is important for Indigenous Australians to be aware particularly of emerging trends and practices within the carbon trading and renewal energy markets. ‘There are a number of outstanding examples, not only in Australia but worldwide, of carbon and renewable energy projects that can be embraced to build capacity in Indigenous business, and as I have long said – it’s good business to do business with Indigenous people’, he said.

If you are interested in learning more about future IBA business events please Contact Us and indicate your location and area of business interest.