The Lab | First Nations Discovery Process Report
Between November 2025 and February 2026, Foundations for Tomorrow (FFT) undertook a structured First Nations Discovery Process to determine whether the National Conversation Development Lab should proceed, and if so, under what conditions.
This process was designed as a genuine threshold for continuation. If the risks outweighed the potential benefit, if Foundations for Tomorrow was not the appropriate convenor, or if the design proved incoherent with the outcomes sought, the work would not proceed in its current form.
This process invited a small group of 10 First Nations leaders, whose work has informed and shaped this field over time, to provide foundational guidance on whether and how this initiative should proceed. The intention was to centre genuine leadership input at the design stage rather than retrospective feedback on a predetermined model.
This document consolidates insights from a series of confidential interviews with respected First Nations leaders, engaged to interrogate the appropriateness, risks, and design implications of the National Conversation Development Lab.
With Gratitude to the Leaders Who Shaped This Work
We extend our deepest gratitude to the leaders who contributed their time, insight and guidance to this process. In engaging them, we did so with the commitment that their perspectives would carry real decision-making weight, not as input to a process already defined, but as foundational guidance that would determine whether and how this work proceeds.
We are grateful for the generosity, candour, and trust extended to us through these conversations. The insights shared have directly informed the foundations of the National Conversation Development Lab, and will continue to inform our work. We hope they will also serve as a contribution to guide the work of our colleagues across the sector.
Stephanie Beck, Wongatha Ngadju woman, Vice Chancellor of IMAGI-NATION {University) working at the intersection of imagination, systems change, and knowledge translation.
Joshua Creamer, Waanyi and Kalkadoon barrister specialising in human rights, native title, and large-scale systemic legal reform.
Rona Glynn-McDonald, Kaytetye woman based on Arrernte Country; Chair of Common Ground and Director First Nations Futures, working across storytelling, economics, and narrative change.
Professor Gregory Phillips, Waanyi and Jaru medical anthropologist; Professor of First People’s Health and CEO of ABSTARR Consulting, specialising in power, race relations, and systemic reform.
Lisa Rapley, Aboriginal woman with ancestral connections to Gumbaynggirr – Mirlagalgi/Garby Country; Adviser at the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Co-founder of Yuludarla Karulbo, supporting young Indigenous cultural leadership.
Benson Saulo, Proud descendant of the Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara peoples of Western Victoria, with heritage from New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea; specialist in economic development and international relations.
Dr Tristan Schultz, designer, researcher and strategist of Gamilaroi and Australian-european descent, working at the intersection of foresight, decolonial thinking, and strategic systems design.
Dr Skye Trudgett, Gamilaroi woman, CEO of Kowa, and nationally recognised expert in Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and impact measurement.