This presentation introduces the Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre (IALEC), the world’s first self-determined, national initiative dedicated to embedding First Nations lived experience in mental health and suicide prevention systems and reform. Formerly hosted by the Black Dog Institute, IALEC is now led by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—grounded in culture, community, and collective healing.

Our work spans national and state policy influence, grassroots advocacy, and the development of lived experience-led resources to drive systems change. Central to our mission is the empowerment of First Nations people with lived experience of mental health challenges and suicide—to inform, challenge, and transform the systems that have long failed our communities.

This presentation will share First Nations perspectives on lived experience. We will reflect on how the broader lived experience movement has been, and can further be, leveraged to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—particularly where our voices continue to be overlooked by mainstream decision-makers.

Drawing on recent evaluation findings of both IALEC and our National Expert Group, we will present evidence of the healing, leadership, and resilience that emerges through lived experience advocacy. These insights highlight the transformative potential of community-led, culturally safe approaches.

We will conclude with clear recommendations for organisations and sector partners on how to respectfully and effectively engage with First Nations lived experience. This includes establishing minimum standards for collaboration that ensure partnerships are strengths-based, safe, and result in meaningful outcomes for our communities.

This session will be co-presented by two First Nations leaders—a staff member of IALEC and a lived experience representative from our National Expert Group—demonstrating our commitment to self-determination and truth-telling in action.