Te Aratini / Indigenous Peoples Week at World Expo 2025 Osaka (Expo) has officially concluded, marking a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.

Through Invest and Trade Western Australia (WA) and Tourism WA, the State Government successfully delivered a dynamic program of activations at the Australia Pavilion, highlighting the strength and capabilities of First Nations businesses, and letting the world know that the WA Aboriginal business sector is open for business. Supported by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Indigenous Peoples Week also featured incredible performances from WA artists, including Maatakitj.

From 4–9 August, the Australia Pavilion hosted a series of events dedicated to First Nations business and leaders, with four key activations led by the WA Government:

• Western Australia’s First Nations Business Leaders Forum​, hosted by Ballardong/Wadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation and 2024 NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year Mr Kim Collard
• Western Australia Innovator Roundtable: Business Events Perth Connecting Cultures
• Western Australia Innovator Roundtable: H.I.S and Western Australia: A long-term strategic partnership
• Tourism WA Showcase Dinner

 WA’s First Nations Business Leaders Forum explored the contemporary and historical Aboriginal business sector in WA, global Aboriginal economic participation and social impact, international economic diplomacy, WA Aboriginal tourism and more.

These events fostered meaningful connections between Aboriginal owned businesses from WA and Japanese, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian counterparts across sectors including innovation, technology, fashion, aboriginal tourism, creative arts and energy.

 When asked why he was excited to participate in Te Aratini / Indigenous Peoples Week at Expo, Mr Kim Collard said:

“We live in a global community now. The challenges we face and the solutions we develop, often overlap. Rather than reinvent the wheel, we should be looking at how we ca n collaborate, share knowledge, and build partnerships that strengthen outcomes for all.

“For me, it’s about more than just representation it’s about relationships. When we come together with a spirit of openness and unity, we set the foundation for meaningful progress and create the conditions for future generations to thrive.”

Across the WA program of activations Mr Collard delivered a strong and resolute message—the WA Aboriginal Business Sector is open for business!

Special thanks go to Mr Kim Collard, Tiffiny Vale, Shannon McGuire, and Robert Taylor for their passion and contributions as part of WA’s First Nations delegation.

In addition to WA-led initiatives, the Australia Pavilion featured a range of other impactful First Nations events, many of which were attended by WA Government representatives and delegation members.

Highlights from the broader Expo program included:

• The Te Aratini Indigenous Peoples Week opening event, led by Australia’s First Nations Ambassador Justin Mohamed​
• Austrade’s First Nations Product Showcase and Business Networking event
• Confluence show at the Canada Pavilion featuring performances from Australia, Canada and New Zealand Indigenous performance troupes, including WA’s very own  Boomerang and Spear, Maatakitj, performance

 To learn more about Western Australia’s presence at Expo, visit the Western Australia at World Expo 2025 Osaka webpage. 

Published on: 15 August 2025