NAIF recognises the special relationship between Indigenous people¹ and country throughout northern Australia and acknowledge the continuing connection to land, waters and culture - continuing to pay their respects to Elders past and present.

All proponents applying for NAIF financing are required to provide an Indigenous Engagement Strategy² (IES) which set out objectives for participation, procurement and employment which reflect the regional Indigenous community³.

A satisfactory IES is one that provides appropriate opportunities for participation, procurement and employment which reflect the regional Indigenous community commensurate with the nature, scope and location of the project and the capacity and any existing operations of the proponent.

Our team works with project proponents to ensure each Indigenous Engagement Strategy is deliverable, realistic, measurable and reflective of the project. We continue to work with proponents following loan approval to track and support delivery of the proponent’s strategy.

In addition to outcomes being achieved through proponent IES’s, NAIF facilitates key relationships, driving connections across agencies and organisations to increase opportunities for greater Indigenous economic development outcomes across the North.

An example of this was a joint Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NAIF, Indigenous Business Australia and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, to use as a platform to share potential collaborating opportunities and exchange experiences.