Spotlight on First Peoples: Voices You Should Know

Build a better understanding of our country from those who know best. Across food, art and culture, First Nations speakers are shaping stronger conversations and helping audiences engage more deeply with the history and culture of the land we share. 

Some of our speakers at ICMI are First Nation peoples leading in their fields – chefs, artists, educators, advocates and changemakers. With Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week just around the corner, it’s a great time to inform your team with one of our engaging Indigenous speakers or presenters.

First Peoples Food

 

Nornie Bero

Introduce your team to the tantalising flavours of native ingredients. Nornie Bero grew up on the islands of the Torres Strait, bringing that culture to everything she cooks. As the founder of Mabu Mabu in Melbourne, she’s introduced thousands of people to the flavours of native ingredients. Her style is generous, no-nonsense, and rooted in culture – whether she’s feeding a crowd or speaking on stage.

More about Nornie

Mindy Woods

With a deep-rooted love for Australia’s native ingredients, Mindy Woods beautifully blends indigenous culture with modern gastronomy, shining a spotlight on some of the world’s oldest foods. Mindy’s culinary journey has captured the attention of food lovers everywhere, earning her the distinction of being the first female Indigenous chef to receive a ‘Chef’s Hat’. Her appearances on MasterChef and features in top publications like Gourmet Traveller and the Australian Good Food Guide have played a significant role in bringing Indigenous cuisine to the global stage.

More about Mindy

 

First Peoples Art

 

Leila Gurriwiwi

Leila Gurruwiwi, a Yolngu woman of the Galpu Clan from Northeast Arnhem Land, is a cultural awareness advocate, media professional, and mentor. With acting credits in Glitch and The Secret River, she spent 11 years on The Marngrook Footy Show while also working in community roles such as mentoring with the Wirrpanda Foundation and supporting students at the Pavillion School. Currently the Education Officer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education at Catholic Education Melbourne, she helps Indigenous students thrive academically and culturally. Leila is also co-producing Jarracharra, a documentary about Indigenous fashion designers, and is a proud mother to her son Uzoma, raising him with strong connections to his Indigenous and Nigerian heritage.

More about Leila 

Sean Choolburra

Sean Choolbura, proud Girramay, Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta and Gugu Yalanji man, is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile Indigenous Australian performers and comedians. His long-standing career in the entertainment industry has seen him perform for the likes of the Dalai Lama and Prince Charles, host his own TV series and even feature on Playschool! At the heart of all Sean does is his passion to share his culture and make people laugh. He infuses both of these elements into all of his performances to make his shows memorable, educational and unique.

More about Sean

Christine Anu

Australian music icon and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocate Christine Anu has had a 27-year career spanning across radio, music, stage and screen. She is one of Australia’s most popular recording artists and the winner of numerous awards. A celebrated national treasure, Christine uses her voice and reputation to spread a message of unity and hope. Christine is one of ICMI’s best diversity and inclusion keynote speakers and speaks with authority and humour.

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Bianca Hunt

Bianca Hunt, a proud Kamilaroi, Barkindji, Ballardong, and Whadjuk woman and one of this generation’s most versatile media personalities. Bianca has experience from over a decade in media from hosting shows like Yokayi Footy and SBS’s Going Places with Ernie Dingo to appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, and leading campaigns for brands like Bonds. Passionate about uplifting First Nations voices, Bianca is an ambassador for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and has released two children’s books celebration community and self-discovery. 

More about Bianca 

Kirli Saunders OAM

Kirli Saunders (OAM) is a proud Gunai Woman and award-winning author, multidisciplinary artist and consultant. Kirli was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to the arts, particularly literature. Kirli’s celebrated books include Bindi, Our Dreaming, Kindred, and Returning. Kirli has also partnered with global organisations including Google, Fender, Sydney Opera House, Qantas and Spotify, Mecca and Aesop to celebrate stories and cultivate change.

More about Kirli

 

First Peoples Culture

 

Shelley Ware

Proud Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware has built a career that spans classrooms, commentary boxes and community spaces. She speaks with humour and insight about education, representation, and the kinds of conversations that help people grow. Shelley makes people feel both welcome and challenged (in a good way!)

More about Shelley

Stan Grant

Multi-award winning current affairs host, author and adventurer, Stan Grant is the Indigenous Affairs Editor for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Appointed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as special advisor on Indigenous constitutional recognition in 2016, Stan is passionate about justice and humanity. Above all, he believes in the power and resilience of people.

More about Stan 

Aunty Munya Andrews & Carla Rogers

Aunty Munya Andrews and Carla Rogers are the co-Directors of Evolve Communities: Australia’s trusted authority for cultural awareness and Ally training. Aunty Munya, an Aboriginal Elder, barrister and author, is passionate about creating a better understanding of Aboriginal peoples and culture. While non-Indigenous, Carla Rogers, a Churchill Fellow, community engagement and learning specialist, has dedicated her career to working alongside First Nations peoples. They come together to inspire Allyship and promote a kinder and more inclusive Australia. 

More about Aunty Munya and Carla

Eva Jo Edwards

A Mutti Mutti, Boonwurrung and Yorta Yorta woman and survivor of the Stolen Generations, Eva Jo Edwards has spent much of her adult life rediscovering and re-engaging in the culture she lost as a child. Growing up splintered from much of her family, Eva Jo emerged as a determined young woman who found work, reconnected with her family and has never stopped exploring her Aboriginal heritage. Over the past 20 years, alongside her cousin/uncle Kutcha Edwards, she ran educational workshops titled Banyip Kidjeka (brother/sister) which has led to Eva Jo receiving regular guest speaking roles in both the education and corporate sectors. Through her contributions, she continues to promote healing, cultural awareness, and inclusion across Australia.

More about Eva

 

Looking to book a First Nations speaker?

 

If you’re putting together an event and want to centre knowledge, connection and truth-telling, these First Nations speakers can bring that into the room. We’d love to help you find the right person for your audience.

Explore more First Nations speakers

 

Interested in booking one of our First Nation speakers for 2025? Call us now on 1800 334 625 or make an enquiry online.