Our Journey
of Impact
OUR JOURNEY
From a successful pilot program to a dedicated foundation, we have grown alongside the Nations we support.
Yarnda Foundation is an independent not-for-profit born from the social impact work of Winyama, an Indigenous-owned geospatial consultancy.
As that impact grew, our team recognised that the digital needs of Indigenous Nations were expanding far beyond mapping. To bridge the digital divide effectively, we needed a dedicated home with a broader mission.
Today, Yarnda stands as a standalone foundation. While our roots remain grounded in mapping Country, our branches now reach across the entire digital landscape—including digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and technology access—ensuring our communities are equipped to lead in every aspect of the digital future.
Strong Nations
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Even Stronger Horizons
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Strong Nations • Even Stronger Horizons •
Where It Began
Our story began with the first Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia, welcoming 70 learners to the first national gathering of Indigenous mappers.
By 2019, the program had grown to 105 learners, establishing a national network of digital custodians, practitioners and future leaders.
Adapting Through Change
When COVID-19 impacted our ability to gather on Country, we adapted quickly.
We launched a national On Demand digital learning platform and established our first internship pathways into the technology sector.
Expanding Our Reach
Face-to-face delivery returned and demand expanded beyond mapping into broader digital capability support.
Communities were reached from Ballarat to Barrapunta.
The Birth of Yarnda
Yarnda Foundation emerged as an independent not-for-profit focused on digital capability, economic participation and self-determination.
A new chapter began.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yarnda Foundation a new organisation?
While Yarnda Foundation officially launched as a standalone entity in 2026, our work has been happening since 2018. We spent the first half of 2026 establishing our independent governance and strategic framework to ensure that when we launched, we were ready to support Mob with a full suite of digital services.
What is the difference between the work you did before 2026 and now?
Before our 2026 launch, our work was primarily focused on geospatial training and mapping workshops. As a standalone foundation, we have expanded our reach. We now provide a comprehensive ecosystem of support, including organisational digital assessments, advocacy for digital rights and hardware access through the Power Up Mob program.
Is Yarnda Foundation the same as the Indigenous Mapping Workshop (IMW)?
The IMW was the foundational program that started our journey. While we still carry that expertise and continue to deliver world-class training, Yarnda Foundation has evolved. We are now an independent foundation with a broader scope, including digital literacy, AI and strategic advocacy for First Nations communities.
Why move Winyama's training and IMW to a not-for-profit?
Mapping remains a vital tool for Country, but Mob told us they needed more. By creating Yarnda, we can access grants and tax-deductible donations, unlocking opportunities to support communities through digital literacy, digital access and expanded social impact programs that a commercial business couldn't reach.
Yarnda represents the "sunrise" of a complete digital ecosystem for our people.
What happened to the IMW programs?
The spirit of the IMW lives on as a core pillar of our work. We continue to deliver these high-impact learning experiences, now integrated into a larger strategic framework designed to support Indigenous Nations and increase digital economic participation.
What is the relationship between Yarnda and Winyama?
Yarnda is an independent foundation that grew out of Winyama's social impact work.
While we are legally distinct entities, we maintain a strong partnership to connect Mob with geospatial technical services and training support.
What if I need both technical systems and staff training?
That's the benefit of our partnership with Winyama.
Winyama can build the high-level geospatial infrastructure your organisation needs, while Yarnda Foundation provides culturally safe training to ensure your team knows how to drive it. We coordinate introductions to ensure you have a unified strategy from day one.
Does Yarnda Foundation have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status?
Yarnda Foundation is pursuing DGR status. This will allow corporate partners and philanthropic donors to make tax-deductible contributions to support our mission of closing the digital divide for Mob.
If you are interested in sponsoring a workshop or donating equipment such as laptops for trainees, please contact us at enquiries@yarnda.org.
Who do I contact for sponsorship enquiries?
For partnerships related to social impact, digital advocacy or workshop sponsorship, please contact the Yarnda Foundation team at enquiries@yarnda.org.
