Investa First Nations Reference Group

Overview

Tika EQ was engaged by Investa to design and facilitate the establishment of their inaugural First Nations Reference Group (FNRG), a key step in embedding First Nations leadership and perspectives into Investa’s corporate governance, decision-making, and strategic direction.

The Reference Group serves as a cornerstone of Investa’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural inclusion, and will play a principal role in guiding the development of Investa’s First Nations Strategy, which aims to create meaningful, long-term partnerships with First Nations communities, suppliers, and knowledge holders across the built environment sector.

Our Role and Approach

Working in collaboration with Investa’s executive and sustainability teams, Tika EQ designed a governance framework and engagement process that ensures the FNRG operates with clarity, integrity, and genuine influence within the organisation.

Our approach included:

• Designing the Reference Group Framework – Developing the group’s governance structure, terms of reference, and cultural protocols to ensure respectful and effective engagement with First Nations members.
• Facilitating the Establishment Phase – Coordinating and hosting the inaugural meetings, ensuring representation from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices with lived and professional expertise across sectors such as design, property, sustainability, and community development.
• Providing Secretariat and Advisory Support – Managing communications, meeting logistics, and documentation to maintain transparency and continuity as the group begins its work.
• Strategic Alignment – Ensuring the FNRG’s role is positioned as a guiding body for Investa’s First Nations Strategy, connecting cultural governance with broader organisational goals in sustainability, social value, and inclusion.

This process created a culturally safe and collaborative foundation for Investa’s engagement with First Nations peoples; ensuring the strategy development process is informed by lived experience, deep listening, and shared leadership.

Key Outcomes

The partnership with Tika EQ has established an enduring mechanism for cultural guidance and accountability within Investa:

• The successful creation of Investa’s First Nations Reference Group, including its governance framework, membership model, and operational protocols.
• A structured process for ongoing consultation and co-design, ensuring First Nations voices guide the formation and implementation of the upcoming First Nations Strategy.
• Strengthened cultural capability and awareness within Investa’s leadership and project teams through active engagement with Reference Group members.
• A repeatable framework for embedding cultural governance across Investa’s future projects and partnerships.

Legacy and Impact

The establishment of Investa’s First Nations Reference Group marks an important milestone in the organisation’s journey toward a more culturally informed and inclusive business model.

By positioning the FNRG as a core advisory and leadership body, Investa is ensuring that its First Nations Strategy, and all subsequent actions, are grounded in respect, reciprocity, and truth-telling.

Tika EQ’s role in designing and facilitating this process has laid the groundwork for a sustained partnership between Investa and First Nations communities, helping to redefine how the property and investment sectors can engage with Country, culture, and community in a meaningful way.