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How we Verify
The Process
At First Nation Certified, integrity is everything. Our certification process has been designed by mob, for mob, to ensure that both First Nations businesses and supporter organisations meet the highest cultural, community, and governance standards.
Unlike other frameworks that focus only on ownership, our approach looks deeper: cultural governance, accountability to community, and meaningful contribution to our people.
🌿Verifying First Nations Businesses
To become First Nation Certified, businesses must demonstrate more than Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ownership — they must show how they uphold cultural responsibilities, are accountable to community, and contribute meaningfully to mob.
Our verification process includes:
- Ownership and Structure – Verifying ABN/ASIC records and legal documents to ensure at least 51% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ownership and control.
- Cultural Governance – Reviewing governance frameworks, decision-making processes, and cultural leadership arrangements to ensure mob voices are genuinely guiding the business.
- Community Accountability – Assessing evidence of meaningful engagement, community benefit, and ongoing contribution to culture and people.
- Confirmation of Aboriginality – Cross-checking documentation against share structures and governance records.
- Ongoing Integrity Checks – Annual audits and random spot checks to ensure certification standards are continuously upheld.
Every application is thoroughly assessed by a 100% First Nations Verification Panel, made up of respected Elders, community members, and cultural leaders. This panel brings deep cultural knowledge, community insight, and lived experience to each decision — ensuring certification is culturally legitimate, not just technically compliant.
Verifying Supporter Organisations
We are proud to introduce Australia’s first mob-led Supporter Certification Program, recognising non-Indigenous organisations that demonstrate real commitment to walking alongside First Nations peoples.
Our verification process includes:
- Reconciliation Commitments – Reviewing evidence of active and meaningful commitments.
- Cultural Safety – Assessing cultural awareness and competency training programs delivered by First Nations trainers.
- Employment Outcomes – Demonstrating tangible First Nations employment, leadership, and career pathways.
- Procurement Practices – Reviewing Indigenous procurement strategies and measurable outcomes.
- Community Engagement – Evaluating partnerships, initiatives, and contributions that support mob-led change.
- Accountability – Annual reporting and audits to ensure commitments remain genuine and impactful.
All supporter applications are also reviewed by our 100% First Nations Verification Panel, ensuring cultural perspectives guide every decision. This process confirms that supporters are not just ticking boxes — they are embedding real change in partnership with mob.
Protecting the Standard
Certification through First Nation Certified is not symbolic — it is earned.
Every application is rigorously reviewed against clear cultural and governance benchmarks. Businesses and supporters that do not maintain these standards risk having their certification revoked. Fraudulent or misleading claims will result in immediate removal and may be referred for further action.
Our community entrusts us with protecting this mark — and we take that responsibility seriously. This is certification with meaning: led by mob, accountable to community, and trusted across the nation.
Not Just a Directory
We’re not here to just list names — we’re here to set the standard.
Through independent verification and clear cultural benchmarks, our certification moves beyond tick-box exercises to drive meaningful change