About Us Lingiari Foundation is a research and development organisation that seeks to be active, vocal and strategic in advancing Indigenous Rights, promoting Reconciliation and developing Indigenous leadership. “The approach of the Lingiari Foundation is based upon the dual principles of the rights of Aboriginal peoples to ensure their own survival, as well as to be the architects of their own future.” Patrick Dodson, Foundation Chair A New Voice for Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation The Lingiari Foundation is Australia's first national Indigenous-controlled, independent advocacy, research and development organisation. It is dedicated to the creation of sustainable platforms for the research, development and advocacy of Indigenous rights, for alternative engagements in Reconciliation, and for the development of the next line of Indigenous leaders. The Lingiari Foundation was founded in 2001 as a response to two key realities in Australian society. One is the continuing second-class status of Aboriginal peoples. The other, a growing desire amongst Australians for an end to the divisions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and the promotion of lasting and meaningful Reconciliation. The Work of The Foundation The Lingiari Foundation is an alternative voice for the recognition of Indigenous rights within Australia’s legal framework. The Foundation is committed to the research and development of Indigenous rights including basic human rights, legal, constitutional, economic, social, cultural and spiritual rights. The Lingiari Foundation is also an alternative forum for the achievement of lasting and meaningful reconciliation. The Foundation is committed to creating forums allowing all Australian people to interact on matters affecting our common future. The Lingiari Foundation is supportive of all existing efforts in the Reconciliation movement, and provides opportunities for greater interaction between Indigenous peoples and other Australians in joint ventures, partnerships, exchanges and global peace and reconciliation forms. The Foundation also provides the opportunity for a much-needed space where Indigenous peoples can discuss the future of Reconciliation in the cause of Indigenous rights in Australia. Finally, the Lingiari Foundation is an alternative avenue for youth leadership development.  The Foundation is committed to passing on the legacy of today's leaders to the growing number of Indigenous youth who are providing leadership into the next century. The Foundation provides leadership forums that make connections in the movement for Indigenous peoples, provide critical analysis on the current social and political environment of the nation, and cultivate the construction of principles for ongoing social institutions. Going Forward Together The Lingiari Foundation works in partnership with a range of organisations, including: Reconciliation Australia, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad, Northern Australia Aboriginal Alliance, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, ReconciliAction, The Eureka Project, Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education and 80:20 Educating and Acting for a Better World, based in Ireland.