Leading with Purpose: Dr Terri Janke’s Address to the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
- TJC
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
By Sam Myers
On Tuesday 5th August, Dr Terri Janke had the privilege of delivering a speech to changemakers that made up this year’s cohort of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE).
As a proud Wuthathi, Yadhaigana and Meriam woman, Dr Janke shared her lived experiences and the journey that shaped her into a renowned lawyer, advocate, and pioneer in Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov). She spoke on how these areas of intellectual property affect Indigenous individuals and communities across Australia and the world.
Established in 2016 by the University of Melbourne, AFSE is dedicated to supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous changemakers to develop solutions that address not only their communities’ challenges, but also global issues. Dr Janke’s presentation was one of many delivered to the Fellows as a part of their Master of Social Change Leadership.
Terri’s talk explored:
Her journey as a lawyer and advocate, and the challenges she faced along the way.
The development of ICIP protocols to protect Indigenous artists and communities, and the importance of legislating ICIP.
The importance of leading with purpose, cultural integrity, and community accountability.
Damien Miller, Executive Director of AFSE, offered this commendation of Dr Janke’s presentation:
“Terri’s address to the 2025 cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity on leadership clearly demonstrated the drive, wisdom and integrity needed to create systemic change. Her decades long work advancing Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights is delivering real world benefits to Indigenous peoples globally”.
We thank Damien and AFSE for providing such a prosperous space for Indigenous voices and opportunity. It was an honour to be a part of AFSE’s growing legacy.
