The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is committed to strengthening our culturally responsive research and organisational practices.

Embedding First Nations at AERO

To support AERO's whole-of-organisation commitment to creating a workplace that is reflexive and culturally responsive, as well as resources that amplify culturally responsive practices, we've embedded the following actions and structures:

AERO First Nations Charter

This charter establishes the foundations through which AERO will pursue reconciliation efforts and confirms our commitment to First Nations Peoples.

This Charter ensures that First Nations voices, knowledges and perspectives are woven into every aspect of AERO's work, from governance and administration to research and resource development. It's about genuine partnership in shaping education that works for our children.
Professor Colleen Hayward AM
Deputy Chair, AERO Board

Read AERO's First Nations Charter

The AERO First Nations Expert Reference Group

The First Nations Expert Reference Group (ERG) was established in 2024 as part of AERO's commitment to embedding First Nations perspectives in education research and initiatives.

Comprising over 240 members selected through a rigorous due diligence process, the ERG embodies a wealth of knowledge and experience crucial to advancing First Nations education. Encompassing 12 key specialty areas, including First Nations education research, teachers, non-profit sector engagement, early childhood education and care, and curriculum development, the ERG ensures comprehensive coverage and representation of voices from remote, regional and urban First Nations communities.

Find out more about the First Nations ERG

Cultural responsiveness model of practice

Additionally, AERO is developing a model of practice and a suite of resources that facilitate the development of culturally safe learning and working environments.

Read about cultural responsiveness at AERO

AERO's internal First Nations team

AERO is resolute in its commitment to the representation and inclusion of First Nations Peoples, communities and organisations through the work it performs and the operations enabling that work. The First Nations team works with teams across all areas of AERO to advance and embed the privileging of First Nations priorities and aspirations in our work. The First Nations team is the coordination point for AERO's Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance work, cultural responsiveness and reflexivity work and the First Nations ERG. The First Nations team's focus is to ensure the sustainability of First Nations initiatives at AERO, embedding them across all aspects of the organisation's work and driving broader impact by setting a benchmark for cultural responsiveness and inclusion within the education sector and beyond.

First Nations leadership

The First Nations team is headed by the Principal Advisor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Engagement. This role oversees the First Nations team, provides high-level strategic advice to the AERO Executive and coordinates strategic engagement with First Nations educators, organisations and communities.

Deputy Chair, Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM, a senior Noongar woman, is a member of our independent board who support AERO’s work by providing a significant input into AERO’s strategic direction. 

Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance

Our Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance case studies [PDF, 515KB] highlight how we're partnering with First Nations people to represent and include First Nations perspectives and contexts in our work. The case studies describe a First Nations-led and governed process that upholds Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance.

Guided by the principles of Maiam nayri Wingara (2018) and the Lowitja Institute (2024), these examples reflect our commitment to being a learning organisation and respectful partner, open to changing how we work and continually improving how we show up in partnership with First Nations people.

AERO has developed an Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance explainer that outlines our approach to respectful, inclusive and ethical ways of engaging with First Nations Peoples, data and knowledges.

The following resources provide more information on Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance: