Our vision is a solid, safe, and celebrated Country and culture for Mob—harnessing digital capability to build upon strong Nations and deliver meaningful economic outcomes.
WHO WE ARE
At Yarnda Foundation, our mission is to back our Mob with equitable opportunities that utilise technology to its full potential while also ensuring culture and self-determination are at the heart of what we do.
By strengthening digital skills and supporting cultural continuity, we support Traditional Owners to uphold native title obligations, enhance governance, and lead enterprises with autonomy and confidence.
Our Theory of Change
Build Digital Capability
We back our Mob with equitable opportunities to strengthen digital skills, confidence and access.
Increase Economic Participation
Supporting pathways for greater participation in the digital economy and future industries.
Strengthen Indigenous Nations
Nurturing community-led growth, governance and meaningful long-term outcomes.
Support Strong Futures
Contributing to a solid, safe and celebrated Country and culture for Mob.
We focus on closing the digital divide for Mob.
OUR STRATEGIC PILLARS:
Our work centres on digital training, upskilling organisations, and advocating for greater digital inclusion.
We support communities throughout their digital journey, building the capability, confidence and tools needed for long term community-led transformation and economic development.
To ensure Mob receives a comprehensive approach, we also act as a conduit—connecting communities with trusted industry partners who provide specialist services that complement our own.
Support the Development of Indigenous Nations
Backing strong, self-determined Nations and community-led governance.
Increase Digital Capability within First Nations Communities
Building skills, confidence and access to thrive in a digital world.
Increase Digital Economic Participation for Mob
Creating pathways to education, employment and enterprise.
Ensure Operational Sustainability
Strengthening our foundation to deliver long-term impact.
Our Values
Strong Nations
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Even Stronger Horizons
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Strong Nations • Even Stronger Horizons •
Mob-First
We centre Mob’s voice and recognise our cultural obligations.
We respect cultural protocols as a non-negotiable foundation of our integrity. This means prioritising Indigenous knowledge, ways of being and ensuring nothing is designed for Mob without Mob.
Commitment
Our reliability is rooted in care.
Commitment isn’t just about deadlines; it’s about responsibility to ourselves and each other. We are proactive and clear in our expectations, fostering work that is impactful, reliable and multigenerational.
Choice
We believe in Self-Determination.
We build confidence and capability so Mob, staff and partners can make informed decisions. We respect the choices made by our communities, lead with transparency and focus on the strengths people bring.
Solid
We show up, right ways.
Being solid means trust, consistency and resilience. We are a steady presence for each other and our partners, through both the tough and good times.
Celebrate
We are proud of who we are and we honour the journey.
We are passionate about our wins, big and small, and recognise the effort behind them. We share knowledge, value every contribution and ensure everyone is seen.
OUR ROOTS
From a successful pilot 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 that remains a valued partner today.
Our journey began with the Indigenous Mapping Workshop (IMW), founded by Andrew Dowding (Winyama Managing Director), and delivered by our current CEO, Kass Boladeras.
As the program’s impact grew, it became clear that to truly meet the evolving needs of our communities, the initiative required its own dedicated mission and long-term vision.
Today, Yarnda stands as a standalone foundation expanding beyond our geospatial origins into digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and technology access programs—ensuring communities are equipped for every aspect of the digital future.
