National Conference

2026 National Indigenous Strong Women’s Health & Wellbeing Conference

02- 04 September 2026Brisbane QLD
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Date
Sep 2 - Sep 4, 2026
Venue
Brisbane QLD
Call for Papers
Open
Accepting submissions
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Acknowledgement to Country

In Australia, protocol requires us to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather. All presentations must therefore begin with an acknowledgement to Country and to local Traditional Elders: "We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting or attending from other areas of Australia who are present here." Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremonies and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land demonstrates respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols form a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THE CONFERENCE

The 2026 International Indigenous Strong Women’s Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Conference is scheduled to be held in Brisbane Queensland Australia on September 2-4, 2026. The conference is a powerful gathering honouring the resilience, leadership, and collective power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and Indigenous women around the world. Grounded in culture, Country, and sovereignty, this conference recognises Indigenous women as system shakers, leaders who challenge colonial and patriarchal structures and as stewards of ecosystems who protect ancestral knowledge, care for Country and Sea Country, and defend our lands for future generations.

This conference is a space for reclaiming power. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, leadership is not new — it is being restored. Long before invasion, our women held central roles in governance, law, kinship, health, and community decision-making. In celebrating International Indigenous Women’s Day, this conference confronts the ongoing impacts of colonisation and gendered violence, while affirming women’s authority to lead healing, governance, and systems change on our own terms. 

The conference places land and resource rights at its core. Indigenous women are on the frontlines of climate change, environmental degradation, and territorial threats. Caring for Country is inseparable from wellbeing — it is cultural responsibility, resistance, and survival. Protecting land, waters, and sacred places is essential to protecting women’s rights, community health, and the continuation of culture. Similarly, rooted in the understanding that culture is a powerful protective factor, the conference centres healing, safety, and self-determination as foundations for strong women, strong families, and strong communities. 

Through yarning, storytelling, ceremony, and shared lived experience, delegates will explore culturally safe, trauma-aware, and community-led approaches to health and wellbeing that honour identity, restore balance, and strengthen spirit. Across two and a half days, Elders, community leaders, health practitioners, midwives, researchers, policymakers, and advocates will come together through workshops, community-led sessions, and evidence-informed discussions. Together, we will elevate strengths, share knowledge, and shape clear, actionable strategies that drive political, economic, and social empowerment for Indigenous women — locally, nationally, and globally.  

THE CONFERENCE THEME

The 2026 International Indigenous Strong Women’s Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Conference  will focus on three interconnected themes:

Theme 1: Resilient Leadership — Reclaiming Power and Sovereignty showcasing Indigenous women as leaders, decision-makers, and system shakers restoring our rightful roles in governance, community life, and systems change. It explores how Indigenous women are reclaiming authority disrupted by colonial and patriarchal systems, strengthening self-determination, and leading political, social, and economic transformation grounded in culture, law, and collective care.

Theme 2: Caring for Country — Land, Sea, and Climate Justice honouring Indigenous women as stewards of ecosystems, protecting ancestral knowledge, land, waters, and sacred places. It highlights women’s leadership on the frontlines of climate change, environmental protection, and land and resource rights, recognising that caring for Country and Sea Country is inseparable from health, wellbeing, cultural survival, and the rights of future generations.

Theme 3: Strong Women, Strong Futures — Healing, Wellbeing, and Collective Strength focusing on holistic health and wellbeing across body, mind, spirit, and Country. Grounded in the understanding that culture is a powerful protective factor, it elevates culturally safe, trauma-aware, and community-led approaches to healing that strengthen women, families, and communities. It celebrates intergenerational knowledge, lived experience, and collective resilience as foundations for strong futures.

CONFERENCE AIM & PHILOSOPHY

The 2026 International Indigenous Strong Women’s Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Conference aims to build a stronger, more connected network of Indigenous women leaders, deliver measurable improvements in health, wellbeing, and governance, and advance policies that protect Indigenous women’s rights, leadership, and Country, creating lasting impact locally, nationally, and internationally. This conference represents a strategic investment in Indigenous women’s leadership, resilience, and empowerment, delivering measurable social, cultural, and environmental benefits for communities across Australia and internationally. Specifically, the conference aims to:

  • Strengthen Indigenous Women’s Leadership and Resilience

  • Recognise and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as system shakers and leaders in health, governance, climate action, and community wellbeing.

  • Advance Cultural Sovereignty and Community-Led Governance

  • Reclaim and restore the central roles of Indigenous women in governance, decision-making, and community leadership disrupted by colonisation.

  • Protect Land, Sea, and Resource Rights and elevate Indigenous women’s leadership in environmental stewardship, land and water protection, and climate resilience, linking cultural practices to sustainable policy outcomes.

  • Promote Holistic Health and Wellbeing supporting culturally safe, trauma-aware, and community-led approaches to health, healing, and wellbeing that strengthen women, families, and communities.

  • Facilitate Global and National Solidarity and connect Indigenous women from Australia and around the world to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices, strengthening collective advocacy and policy influence.

  • Generate Actionable Policy and Systems Change and

  • Identify evidence-informed strategies and community-led solutions to inform policy, service delivery, and program development across local, regional, national and global levels.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The 2026 International Indigenous Strong Women’s Health, Wellbeing & Leadership Conference is for First Nations women and allies from across Australia and the world who are passionate about strengthening Indigenous leadership, health, and wellbeing.

This includes:

  • Indigenous Women

  • Elders, Knowledge Holders & Cultural Leaders

  • Community Leaders & Advocates

  • Health Practitioners, Midwives & Trauma-Informed Care Workers

  • Researchers, Academics & Policy Influencers

  • Environmental & Land Rights Advocates

  • Students & Emerging Leaders

Why Attend

This conference offers delegates a unique opportunity to participate in a positive environment dedicated to sharing information and empowering all attendees. In our everyday working environment, the daily pressures of our roles often limit our capacity to expand knowledge and build networks. Whether working at community or governmental level, opportunities to network and establish contacts beyond your local region can be limited. This conference addresses that challenge, providing valuable connections and insights that extend well beyond your immediate professional circle.

Guest Speakers

This event features an impressive array of guest speakers who share stories, successes, and challenges they've overcome, offering inspiration and opportunities for delegates to engage with Culture, Empowerment, Education, and Networking. Drawn from diverse cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year's speakers transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary one. Their contributions create lasting impact, ensuring the conference remains a source of tremendous benefit and memorable insights long after it concludes.

Registration

Early Bird Discount Available!

Register early to save on registration fees. Pricing changes monthly!

Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation.

Important Payment Terms

Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.

Register NowSubmit Paper

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Indigenous Conference Services

ICS Australia Pty Ltd

Phone

(+61) 04557 76 668

0414687972

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8 Kiwi Court Point Vernon QLD 4655

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