The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Business Leadership has three core subjects.

These subjects are taught online by international and Australian faculty, who bring a global perspective to the issue of Indigenous business and economic participation.

International Business Ecosystems are a complex set of interconnected elements: traditional territory, leadership, culture, capital markets, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members who continuously interact, collaborate, and compete in response to the specific dynamics of a particular region. This subject aims to support students in building a framework for the practice of Indigenous entrepreneurship by generating insights into the creation, management, and development of new ventures by and for Indigenous peoples that are responsive to the community, as well as its values, traditions, culture and socioeconomic needs. It is taught by Dr Rick Colbourne, Anishinaabe Tribe, Assistant Dean, Equity and Inclusive Communities at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business.

This course not only provides a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous business ecosystems and philosophies, but also fosters a deep respect for traditional leadership and cultural values. Its interdisciplinary and evidence-based approach uniquely prepares students to meet the complex challenges of Indigenous business leadership in various fields. What sets this program apart is its commitment to integrating cultural, social, and environmental values with business acumen, creating leaders who are not just successful in business, but also deeply rooted in their communities and cultural heritage. Dr Rick Colbourne

Indigenous Philosophy of Business covers the philosophical foundations of contemporary business practice performed by Indigenous people. You'll explore the links between Indigenous worldviews and modern-day business practices performed by Indigenous people. As a result, you'll gain a holistic understanding of the barriers faced by First Nations people in the practice of entrepreneurship, as well as the opportunities afforded by Indigenous knowledges and beliefs (such as sustainability).

This subject is taught by Dr Joseph Scott Gladstone, Blackfeet/Nez Perce Tribes, Assistant Professor at Washington State University.

What’s good in one community could be good for another, but in a different way. This pragmatic thinking allows Native and Indigenous people to adopt useful western ideas in ways they find practical, but not always exactly how the West says it’s supposed to be done. This is how students in my class are taught to think. Discover what it’s like to learn in an environment that doesn’t just ‘respect’ your way of thinking but encourages you to take what you learn about the West and refine it to fit your and your community’s needs. Joseph Scott Gladstone

Read more about Dr Gladstone

Indigenous Business Leadership explores a range of leadership theories and how you can apply them to your own practice of leadership. The aim of the subject is to upskill and empower you to take advantage of the current and near-term opportunities in your own business or career and have an impact. You’ll learn through a series of individual and group assignments and presentations, enabling you to gain confidence and strengthen the ties within your peer network. For this core subject, you’ll be taught by Associate Professor Michelle Evans. Michelle, a Koori woman and Fulbright scholar, has a unique combination of professional experience in management, community engagement and facilitation, coupled with her excellent track record in research. Michelle has personally taught and mentored 180 Australian Indigenous businesspeople through Australia’s Indigenous business masterclass program, MURRA, for which she is also the co-founder and program director. Michelle has strong relationships across the Australian Indigenous business and cultural sectors, and is well known for her expertise in Australian Indigenous entrepreneurial leadership.

Why study online?

The online learning environment has been carefully devised by expert academics, alongside learning designers and technology specialists, to facilitate an interactive, enjoyable and flexible student experience.

At the University of Melbourne, you will have access to the best minds and a dynamic peer group from across Australia and elsewhere in the world. Throughout the course, you will be able to engage closely with fellow students and share your knowledge with one another.

At the beginning of the course, you’ll receive all the technical support you need to get set up and participate in an initial welcome webinar, where you’ll be guided through the University’s systems.

Gain access to the highest levels of support

As an online student, you’ll receive a high level of administrative, technical and academic support, from your initial expression of interest in the course, through to your graduation. Our student support team members are dedicated, personable and friendly. If a challenge arises, they’ll do everything in their power to assist you so that you can continue to have an excellent learning experience.

Dedicated online student support consultants can assist with:

• Enrolment and subject assistance
• Administrative logistics and fee options
• Technical support, regular tech health checks, and technical support during live webinars
• Online learning skills and workload management, and
• Special circumstances.