In this episode of Business in Colour, I talk with Dr. Chrischona Schmidt — an arts professional, researcher, and fierce advocate for First Nations cultural expression, who has spent more than 18 years working alongside community to elevate First nations arts and storytelling.

Chrischona is the Manager of Ikuntji Artists, an Aboriginal-owned art centre based in Haasts Bluff, 230 kilometres west of Alice Springs — and one of the most socially conscious, community-driven organisations we’ve had the privilege of spotlighting. I first met Chrischona through the Telstra Best of Business Awards, and her story left the judging room in complete silence — in the best possible way.

In this conversation, Chrischona takes us behind the scenes of Ikuntji — from the women-led movement that began long before the art centre formally existed, to the creation of a powerful living archive: 26 films in language, told by the artists themselves. She also shares the impact of helping return thousands of archival photos to families, so people could finally see images of their parents and grandparents for the first time.

A jam-packed episode with an extraordinary storyteller and ally — and a reminder that art isn’t just something we wear or display… it’s legacy, voice, and strength.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who cares about community, culture, and ethical engagement — and don’t forget to follow Business in Colour for more conversations like this.

In this episode of Business in Colour, I talk with Dr. Chrischona Schmidt &mdash; an arts professional, researcher, and fierce advocate for First Nations cultural expression, who has spent more than 18 years working alongside community to elevate First nations arts and storytelling.
Chrischona is the Manager of Ikuntji Artists, an Aboriginal-owned art centre based in Haasts Bluff, 230 kilometres west of Alice Springs &mdash; and one of the most socially conscious, community-driven organisations we&rsquo;ve had the privilege of spotlighting. I first met Chrischona through the Telstra Best of Business Awards, and her story left the judging room in complete silence &mdash; in the best possible way.
In this conversation, Chrischona takes us behind the scenes of Ikuntji &mdash; from the women-led movement that began long before the art centre formally existed, to the creation of a powerful living archive: 26 films in language, told by the artists themselves. She also shares the impact of helping return thousands of archival photos to families, so people could finally see images of their parents and grandparents for the first time.
A jam-packed episode with an extraordinary storyteller and ally &mdash; and a reminder that art isn&rsquo;t just something we wear or display&hellip; it&rsquo;s legacy, voice, and strength.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who cares about community, culture, and ethical engagement &mdash; and don&rsquo;t forget to follow Business in Colour for more conversations like this.

Business In Colour is a podcast that inspires, empowers and mobilises leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity. Hear our stories so that you understand our journey, our experiences and our wants. We bring to you leaders who are doing incredible work in this space. We know this work is not easy, we know the challenges leaders face. Our hope is that by listening to the leaders on the Business In Colour podcast, you make a commitment to act for positive change. Our businesses must reflect the colours of the communities we work and live in.

Hosted by Div Pillay and Sadhana Smiles.

This show is for you if you are interested in:
Leadership in Business
Workplace diversity
Inclusion practices
Innovative inclusion
Creating change 
Equity in the workplace
High performing cultures 
People and customer diversity and inclusion
Culturally diverse leadership

Get in contact with Div & Sadhana via LinkedIn 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/

Business In Colour is a podcast that inspires, empowers and mobilises leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity. Hear our stories so that you understand our journey, our experiences and our wants. We bring to you leaders who are doing incredible work in this space. We know this work is not easy, we know the challenges leaders face. Our hope is that by listening to the leaders on the Business In Colour podcast, you make a commitment to act for positive change. Our businesses must reflect the colours of the communities we work and live in.
Hosted by Div Pillay and Sadhana Smiles.
This show is for you if you are interested in:
<ul>
<li>Leadership in Business</li>
<li>Workplace diversity</li>
<li>Inclusion practices</li>
<li>Innovative inclusion</li>
<li>Creating change </li>
<li>Equity in the workplace</li>
<li>High performing cultures </li>
<li>People and customer diversity and inclusion</li>
<li>Culturally diverse leadership</li>
</ul>
Get in contact with Div &amp; Sadhana via LinkedIn 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a>

Providing inspiration to lead conversations and actions for diversity in your business

Business In Colour

Business In Colour is a podcast that inspires, empowers and mobilises leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity. Hear our stories so that you understand our journey, our experiences and our wants. We bring to you leaders who are doing incredible work in this space. We know this work is not easy, we know the challenges leaders face. Our hope is that by listening to the leaders on the Business In Colour podcast, you make a commitment to act for positive change. Our businesses must reflect the colours of the communities we work and live in.

Hosted by Div Pillay and Sadhana Smiles.

This show is for you if you are interested in:
Leadership in Business
Workplace diversity
Inclusion practices
Innovative inclusion
Creating change 
Equity in the workplace
High performing cultures 
People and customer diversity and inclusion
Culturally diverse leadership

Get in contact with Div & Sadhana via LinkedIn 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/

-- 

This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Business In Colour is a podcast that inspires, empowers and mobilises leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity. Hear our stories so that you understand our journey, our experiences and our wants. We bring to you leaders who are doing incredible work in this space. We know this work is not easy, we know the challenges leaders face. Our hope is that by listening to the leaders on the Business In Colour podcast, you make a commitment to act for positive change. Our businesses must reflect the colours of the communities we work and live in.
Hosted by Div Pillay and Sadhana Smiles.
This show is for you if you are interested in:
<ul>
<li>Leadership in Business</li>
<li>Workplace diversity</li>
<li>Inclusion practices</li>
<li>Innovative inclusion</li>
<li>Creating change </li>
<li>Equity in the workplace</li>
<li>High performing cultures </li>
<li>People and customer diversity and inclusion</li>
<li>Culturally diverse leadership</li>
</ul>
Get in contact with Div &amp; Sadhana via LinkedIn 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a> 
-- 
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
<a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>