Foundations and the future of strong governance
ANKA works hard to build and sustain the skills of its directors and the performance of its board—and it shows.
Top End: First incorporated in 1987, Arnhem Northern and Kimberley Artists Aboriginal Corporation—ANKA—is the lead support and advocacy body for Aboriginal artists and Aboriginal-owned community art centres in over a million square kilometres of country across northern Australia. ANKA represents close to 50 art centres and 6000 artists, and its strategy is clear and openly expressed on its website:
- Its vision is to keep art, culture and country strong.
- Its purpose is to support ongoing self-determination for Aboriginal artists and art centres in four regions: Kimberley; Arnhem Land; Tiwi Islands; and Darwin and Katherine.
- Its values (PDF 397kb) are all-encompassing, acknowledging the interconnectedness of its work.
ANKA has a strong framework for consistently good governance. Every year for the last 20, in advance of the AGM, it has held a general meeting in each of the 4 regions. Members at those regional meetings elect 3 representatives and one stand-in (alternate director) to the board. Then at the AGM, the 12 directors and 4 stand-ins are appointed.
ANKA directors, youth representatives, staff and tour guide at Kunwarddewardde lookout, Burrungkuy, Kakadu National Park
The board meets regularly to plan, review and guide the strategic direction of the organisation. As part of its strategy to support the next generation, the ANKA board has adopted a practice of intergenerational mentoring. Selected young people are invited into board meetings to gain an understanding of what's involved in governing an Aboriginal corporation.
The ANKA video ‘Foundations of governance’ was played at ORIC's inaugural Governance Day online forum on 30 November. A wonderful window into the culture of the corporation, it also speaks volumes about good governance:
Now, ANKA has been recognised as a finalist in the 2022 Indigenous Governance Awards, as an outstanding example of governance in Indigenous-led large incorporated organisation.
Best wishes to ANKA for the award prospect.
ANKA directors and youth representatives, April 2021. From left—seated: Dora Griffiths, deputy chair, Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, Kimberley; Jangu Nundhirribala, Numbulwar Numburindi Arts, Katherine/Darwin; Maxine Charlie, Nagula Jarndu, saltwater woman, Kimberley; Rhoda Hammer, Waralungku Arts, Katherine/Darwin stand-in; Michelle Woody, Jilamara Arts and Crafts, Tiwi stand-in; Gabriel Nodea, Warmun Art Centre, Kimberley. Standing: Rodriquez Wilson, next generation rep; Lily Roy, Milingimbi Art and Culture Centre, Arnhem Land; John Martin Tipungwuti, Tiwi Designs, Tiwi; Jedda Puruntatameri, Munupi Art and Crafts, Tiwi; D.J. Marika, next generation rep; Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr, Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Aboriginal Corporation, Arnhem Land stand-in; Walter Rogers, Ngukurr Art Centre, Katherine/Darwin; Wukun Wanambi, Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, Arnhem Land; Djambawa Marawili AM, chair, Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, Arnhem Land.
We are also pleased to note that the other 2 finalists in that category are also registered under the CATSI Act—so perhaps they will be the subject of a future spotlight story: Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation—good luck to you too!