Sean Choolburra is one of Australia’s most recognised Indigenous performers and cultural ambassadors, known for his charismatic stage presence and engaging storytelling. With ancestral connections to the Gu-Gu-Yalanji, Kalkadoon, Kandju and Bwgcolman peoples, Sean draws on deep cultural knowledge, traditional dance, didgeridoo and humour to connect with audiences of all ages.

Having performed nationally and internationally and worked as an MC across major events and festivals, Sean brings energy, cultural depth and authenticity to NATSIPA 2026.

Professor Marnee Shay is an Aboriginal woman from the Ngen'giwumirri language group and a nationally and internationally recognised leader in Indigenous education research.

A Professor and Deputy Head of School at The University of Queensland, her work focuses on Indigenous education, strengths-based approaches, co-design, STEM participation and education policy.

A Chief Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures, Professor Shay is a highly awarded scholar whose work bridges research, policy and practice to advance Indigenous-led educational change.

Professor Peter Anderson, from the Warlpiri and Murinpatha peoples of the Northern Territory, is Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at the University of New England.

His work advances Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educative rights, Indigenous student success and self-determination in higher education.

Using Indigenous rights-based approaches, data sovereignty and ethical frameworks, Professor Anderson’s scholarship challenges deficit narratives and promotes Indigenous-led pathways to educational equity and rightful success.

Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith is a highly respected Māori scholar of Ngāti Apa/Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Porou/Te Aitanga ā Hauiti, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Kāti Mamoe descent.

Currently Te Toi Ihorei ki Pūrehuroa Chair at Massey University and a Distinguished Professor at Large, his work focuses on advancing Māori and Indigenous education through critical and post-colonial perspectives.

Professor Smith has held several senior leadership roles across universities in New Zealand and internationally, and is widely recognised for his contributions to addressing educational inequities and supporting Indigenous self-determination.

Dr Hana O’Regan is from the Kāi Tahu tribe of Te Waipounamu (South Island, New Zealand) and of Pākehā (Irish and Scottish) descent.

With more than 30 years of experience, she has worked extensively in language revitalisation, cultural development, te reo Māori, education and wellbeing. A published author and internationally recognised advocate for Indigenous language revitalisation, Dr O’Regan is deeply committed to strengthening identity, community and equity through education.

She currently serves as CEO of Awarua Whānau Services in Awarua (Bluff) and was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2021.

Hariata Moriarty (Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngā Puhi) is an actress, producer, and playwright. Her onscreen credits include 'Cousins', 'Red, White and Brass', 'Te Kohu'.

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She works as a cultural supervisor on the Neon Series 'Secrets at Red Rocks' and recently produced NZFC short film Kikokiko. Hariata holds a Bachelor of Law and is currently undertaking her Masters of Māori Laws and Philosophy through Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

She is commited to upholding Tino Rangatiratanga and knoweldge dissemination through her arts practise. 

Tamati Moriarty (Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngā Puhi) Actor, producer and playwright, Tamati is the face of the ONE NZ campaign.

Graduate of Massey University with a Bachelor of Psychology and Te Tohu Paetahi from Waikato University, Tamati's first role was at six years old.

Tamati is passionate for the intersection between the arts and health, and believes the arts are a vessel for healing.

Max Lenoy is Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, and Warungnu from North Queensland. 

He is the Curriculum Specialist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures at the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). 

Max develops First Nations resources with communities, schools and institutions as part of the implementation of the Australian Curriculum.